January 9, 2015
When Laura Bratsch, administrative support specialist for the Asheville satellite campus of the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, was told that she had to drive from the Great Smokey Mountains to Chapel Hill, she thought that it was to discuss the 2015 pharmacy student curriculum.
Instead, she was surprised to learn that she was receiving the Phyllis Smith Staff Award for Excellence.
“I was tricked into coming to Chapel Hill, but this turned out to be much better than a meeting,” Bratsch says. “I was honored and completely surprised to win this award.”
The award is given every year to a staff member who is committed to the School’s pursuit of excellence through business practices. Winners of the award receive a $500 check and a framed certificate.
Bratsch joined the School in 2012 and supports the School’s faculty, labs, and student in Asheville and is as the point of contact between prospective students and the Asheville campus.
“She keeps this campus running, and she strengthens the connection between Ashville and Chapel Hill,” says Daniel Forrister, PharmD, an assistant professor based at the School’s Asheville campus. “This award perfectly describes Laura.”
“She’s always one step ahead, and that makes our classes go so much more smoothly,” says Asheville PharmD student Chandler Gurley. “I’m not sure what we would do without her organization, problem-solving skills, and leadership.”
Forrister and Gurley both nominated Bratsch for the award.
The award was created in honor of Phyllis Smith, the School’s director of facilities, who in 2014 retired after more than thirty years of service.
By Aren Besson
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