Pictured, from left: Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Jerold Hale; Vice Chancellor of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Yancy Freeman; President’s Award recipient Frank Butler; Chancellor Steven R. Angle; Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Tyler Forrest; and President’s Award recipient Carla Mason.
photo by UT System/Sam Thomas
Two members of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga family, Senior Custodian Carla Mason and Management Professor Frank Butler, Friday were honored with President’s Awards—the highest accolade an employee can receive from the UT System.
UT System President Randy Boyd recognized Ms. Mason, Mr. Butler and five other award winners from across the UT System at the Board of Trustees annual meeting in Knoxville.
The President’s Awards were established in 2016 to annually consider the exceptional achievements of employees across the statewide UT System.
Honorees are chosen from a system-wide pool of candidates nominated by campus and institute leaders.
Ms. Mason won the President’s Award in the “Excel in All We Do" category, which honors an individual who commits to continuous improvement and outstanding performance by setting high standards, pursuing learning and growth, and recognizing and celebrating quality.
Ms. Mason was nominated for the award by UTC Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Tyler Forrest.
“Carla is an outstanding team member,” Vice Chancellor Forrest said. “Her contributions to the University go far beyond the exceptional job she does as a senior custodian. She brings a positive attitude and great outlook to work every day. She is always ready for a good laugh, serious conversation or anything someone wants to discuss. It is truly a pleasure knowing Carla.”
Mr. Butler, a Frank W. McDonald and UC Foundation professor of management in the Gary W. Rollins College of Business, was selected for a President’s Award in the “Bold and Impactful” category. The award honors an individual who serves the state by tackling grand challenges, thinking big, making a difference and serving with purpose.
Mr. Butler also is faculty director of the University’s Veterans Entrepreneurship Program.
In nominating Mr. Butler, Katherine Karl, head of the Department of Management, praised him for also being “very outgoing, friendly and easy to talk to.”
“What really sets Frank apart is that he excels at everything,” Ms. Karl said. “Not only does he go above and beyond in terms of service, but he is also a great teacher and respected scholar.”