Woolam Named Western Illinois University Employee of The Year For 2023
Western Illinois University Agriculture (Ag) Office Manager and Account Technician Barbara Woolam has been named the Al and Elaine Goldfarb Civil Service Employee of the Year for 2023.
Woolam started at WIU in May 2000 as a Facilities Management, Building Services secretary. Over the years, she demonstrated exceptional dedication and work ethic, leading to a series of promotions. She transitioned to a secretarial role in Continuing Education before becoming the office support specialist for the Educational Leadership program in 2003. After several promotions, she was named the office manager for the Broadcasting and Journalism Department and later the same for the Speech Pathology and Audiology Department.
In November 2016, Woolam began her role as office manager for the School of Ag, where she has excelled in her responsibilities. Her contributions to the School of Ag were recognized when she was named the Civil Service Employee for December.
Woolam manages appropriated accounts, over 20 foundational accounts and multiple grant accounts, including several multi-year grants. Additionally, she oversees the training of two office student workers and assists with numerous student workers at the University farm.
In 2010, the Goldfarbs established an endowment to permanently fund the University’s Civil Service Employee of the Year award. Woolam’s recognition comes with a $500 stipend from the WIU Foundation and a plaque.
Western faculty, staff, administrators and community members interested in nominating a civil service employee for monthly recognition can contact the Civil Service Employees Council (CSEC) at csec-nominations-g@wiu.edu.
