Sellers ‘03, Receives Regents’ Award for Service to Students

The University System of Maryland (USM) Board of Regents awarded Emma Sellers ’03, English, program management specialist in the Department of Political Science, the Regents’ Staff Award for Outstanding Service to Students in an Academic or Residential Environment.
Sellers’ outstanding interpersonal skills and exemplary service to the students made her an ideal candidate for the honor, according to Cheryl Miller, chair of political science, who along with Cynthia Hody, associate professor of political science, nominated Sellers for the award.
Sellers, who is working towards a master’s in instructional systems development, has worked at UMBC for 19 years, 12 of which she has spent in the political science department.
“I love working with students,” said Sellers. “[They] are the pulse of UMBC, and it makes me feel good to help them.”
Sellers is often the first point-of-contact for political science majors and for the students who are required to take courses in the department. Miller said Sellers’ ability and commitment to perform duties outside of her job requirements are remarkable. In addition to performing administrative duties, Sellers advises students on selecting courses, connects them to professors when they need further assistance, coordinates events and often serves as a confidant.
Beyond her service to students, Sellers co-chairs the President’s Commission for Women, which works to ensure that all women on campus receive equal access to UMBC’s educational and employment opportunities. She also serves as a member of the University’s Professional Staff Development Team.
The award is particularly special for Sellers because she was previously nominated twice for the award.
“I feel like I won an Oscar,” she exclaimed. “This is my Oscar.”
The USM Board of Regents presented the 2006 Regents’ Staff Awards during its meeting on Friday, Sept. 8. For a list of additional winners, visit http://www.usmd.edu/newsroom/news/99.
9/8/06