Each year, the Bill Nunnelley Award is presented to the staff member whose work regularly and consistently exceeds expectations and reflects a high level of service, trustworthiness and respect.
In 2022, Samford announced the expansion of the annual award, with the quarterly recognition of staff members who embody these values. Throughout the year, the Samford community is invited to nominate staff through quarterly nomination cycles. Selected nominees are announced to the Samford community and will be automatically considered as a nominee for the annual Bill Nunnelley Award.
The Staff Advisory Council is pleased to announce its third round of quarterly honorees:
Julie Stewart
Director of payroll
Stewart is the director of payroll for the university. Her colleagues write, “Julie does not shy away from a challenge, or from offering her help to anyone that is in need. Julie Stewart gives her time to the Samford community graciously. Ask anyone that has come to see her or who has called her. Julie is always willing to help with anything from a new project to just offering kind words and prayers of encouragement. To know Julie Stewart is to truly appreciate what she means to her coworkers and what she means to Samford University.
Casey Ramey
Executive director of alumni and philanthropic engagement, Samford University Alumni Association
Ramey is the executive director of alumni and philanthropic engagement for Samford’s Alumni Association. Her colleagues write, “Casey fulfills the mission of Samford every day through her service to alumni and friends around the world with positivity, grace and enthusiasm. She cares deeply about the desires and thoughts of Samford alumni and friends and will always stop to listen to them. This year Casey’s role expanded from supervising three employees to supervising six employees. During a season of transition, Casey has excelled at supporting new colleagues, learning new areas of her work, and listening well to her team. She is passionate about her team's success and professional development and is supportive of their lives at Samford and at home.”
Melissa Matthews
Administrative assistant, Beeson Divinity School
Melissa Matthews is an administrative assistant in Beeson Divinity School. Her colleagues write, “Like Mr. Nunnelley, Melissa gives her gift of service and dedication in a more quiet way, rarely if ever, seeking praise or the spotlight. Melissa, now in her 16th year at Beeson Divinity School, currently serves as the assistant to the associate dean, having served the university and our school in a couple of different capacities. She serves with compassion, strength, excellence, helpfulness, confidentiality, and a desire and willingness to make things run smoothly and consistently. As a staff member in the Beeson community, Melissa supports the divinity school in many and various ways and does her part in bringing our mission to fruition.”
