Chris Rust, budget and personnel officer in the Dean's Office of the College of Education, has been named February's Employee of the Month by the Staff Employees Council.

When asked about what she enjoyed most about her job, Rust said there were two things that stood out.

"What I enjoy most about working in the College of Education's Dean's Office is the variety of responsibilities I have and the opportunity to continue learning each day," Rust said.

Chris Cheney, dean of the College of Education, said Rust "in many ways serves as the glue that holds us together."

"No job is too insignificant for Chris," Cheney said. "During the past summer, two classified employees retired suddenly or went on extended medical leave. In addition to her own duties, Chris took over responsibilities for both employees' duties. She quickly determined that additional student employees were needed to help cover in the affected offices, hired and trained the employees for those duties that were appropriate for them, and did all of the other types of functions that student workers could not complete.

"She accomplished all this in her busiest time - the close of the fiscal year."

Cheney said Rust has left an indelible mark on the college.

"Her organizational skills are legendary," Cheney said. "She can anticipate problems - which is an invaluable skill in the administration of a college ... She holds herself and others to high standards."