How Susan Adair’s Service‑First Approach Earned Her UNLV’s Employee of the Year Honor – Lessons for Faculty of Economics Professionals
When Susan Adair walked into the Lee Business School’s Department of Economics at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) in 2020, she brought more than a résumé; she brought a mindset forged in chemistry labs and honed by years of helping people solve problems without passing the buck. Her recent recognition as the second‑place President’s Classified Employee of the Year offers a concrete example of how dedication, attention to detail, and a genuine desire to assist can transform a department’s daily operations. For anyone working in—or aspiring to join—the Faculty of Economics at UNLV or similar institutions, her story provides actionable insights that go beyond accolades.
Below, we break down the key habits that made Adair stand out, connect them to practical steps you can take today, and show how adopting a service‑first attitude can improve both individual performance and team outcomes. Throughout the article you’ll find contextual calls to action that link to further resources about career development at UNLV.
1. Start With the Person, Not the Process
Adair’s guiding principle is simple: “Help the person in front of you.” Whether a student is stuck on a waitlist, a faculty member needs clarification on a grant form, or a colleague is overwhelmed by a data request, she begins by listening. This approach contrasts with the common tendency to route inquiries to another office or to rely solely on standardized forms.
Actionable tip: Before you reach for a policy manual or send an email to a different unit, ask yourself: What does this person need right now? If you have the answer or can locate it quickly, provide it. If not, commit to finding the answer and following up.
To see how this mindset translates into concrete career growth at UNLV, explore the professional development workshops offered by the Faculty of Economics.
2. Leverage Domain‑Specific Expertise (Even If It’s Outside Your Title)
Although Adair’s official role is Administrative Assistant III, her background as a chemist gave her a unique lens for spotting inconsistencies in enrollment data, tracking down missing paperwork, and streamlining vendor payments. Her scientific training taught her to notice when a single missed step could cascade into larger errors.
Actionable tip: Identify any specialized knowledge you bring from previous jobs, hobbies, or academic work. Whether it’s familiarity with statistical software, experience in laboratory safety protocols, or fluency in a second language, look for ways to apply that expertise to everyday tasks in the economics department.
Want to learn how to showcase interdisciplinary skills on your internal profile? Read UNLV’s guide to highlighting cross‑functional competencies.
3. Document and Share Processes to Prevent Redundancy
One of Adair’s notable contributions was digitizing human resources and accounts payable files and creating clear, step‑by‑step documentation. By doing so, she ensured that the department didn’t have to “start from scratch” each time a similar task arose.
Actionable tip: When you complete a repetitive process, take 10–15 minutes to write a brief SOP (standard operating procedure) or record a short video walkthrough. Store it in a shared folder (e.g., the department’s SharePoint or Google Drive) and notify your teammates.
For a template you can adapt, download the UNLV Departmental SOP starter kit.
4. Practice Kindness and Patience as Core Competencies
When individuals arrive stressed or confused, Adair’s first response is kindness. She notes that often people just need to be heard before the actual problem surfaces. This soft skill reduces friction, builds trust, and frequently leads to quicker resolutions.
Actionable tip: Adopt a two‑step routine for incoming requests: (1) acknowledge the person’s feelings (“I see this is frustrating; let’s figure it out together”), then (2) move to problem‑solving. Practicing this habit can improve your reputation as a go‑to colleague.
Interested in workshops on emotional intelligence for UNLV staff? Check out the upcoming schedule from the Human Resources Learning Center.
5. Build a Supportive Network Within Your Team
Adair is quick to credit her colleagues in the Economics department for shaping her work ethic. She observes that excellence is contagious when surrounded by peers who also prioritize care and precision.
Actionable tip: Seek out mentorship opportunities—both as a mentee and a mentor. Join departmental reading groups, attend faculty‑staff mixers, or volunteer for cross‑unit projects. The more you invest in relationships, the more likely you are to receive support when challenges arise.
To find current mentorship programs within the Lee Business School, visit the Faculty of Economics mentorship portal.
6. Align Personal Values with Professional Goals
Adair traces her work ethic to her upbringing in Victor, Colorado, where integrity and hard work were modeled by her parents. She carries those values into her role at UNLV, viewing each task as an opportunity to do things “the right way.” This alignment fuels sustained motivation, especially during demanding periods.
Actionable tip: Write a brief personal mission statement that connects your core values (e.g., honesty, service, lifelong learning) to your professional responsibilities. Review it quarterly and adjust as needed.
For a guided exercise on crafting a mission statement, access the UNLV Career Services values‑alignment worksheet.
7. Turn Recognition Into Ongoing Improvement
Receiving the Employee of the Year accolade was not the end of Adair’s journey; it reinforced her commitment to continuous learning. She still asks herself, “How can I help the person in front of me better today?”
Actionable tip: After any recognition or positive feedback, set one specific improvement goal for the next month—whether it’s mastering a new software feature, reducing response time on student inquiries, or leading a process‑improvement project.
Learn how to leverage performance reviews for growth at UNLV by reading the Performance Development Handbook.
Putting It All Together: A Service‑First Action Plan for Economics Professionals
If you work in the Faculty of Economics at the University of Nevada Las Vegas—or aspire to—consider integrating the following weekly routine:
- Listen First: Begin each interaction by asking what the other person needs.
- Apply Your Unique Skills: Identify one non‑core competency you can bring to the task at hand.
- Document: After completing a repetitive task, create a quick reference guide.
- Practice Kindness: Acknowledge emotions before diving into solutions.
- Connect: Reach out to a colleague for a brief coffee chat or knowledge‑share session.
- Reflect on Values: Spend five minutes reviewing your personal mission statement.
- Set a Micro‑Goal: Choose one small improvement based on recent feedback.
By repeating this cycle, you’ll not only mirror the qualities that earned Susan Adair her Employee of the Year distinction but also contribute to a more efficient, supportive, and high‑performing economics department.
Further Resources and Next Steps
To deepen your understanding of career advancement, skill building, and community engagement at UNLV, explore the links below. Each resource is designed to help you translate the service‑first mindset into tangible outcomes.
- UNLV Faculty of Economics – Career Development Hub
- Professional Certifications Recommended for Economics Staff
- Student Success Initiatives – How Staff Can Contribute
- UNLV Wellness Programs for Faculty and Staff
- Alumni Network – Connecting Current Staff with Graduates
Remember, excellence in an academic setting is rarely about grand gestures alone; it’s built on the daily decision to help the person in front of you, to apply your unique background, and to leave processes better than you found them. By adopting these practices, you’ll not only enhance your own career trajectory but also elevate the collective performance of the Faculty of Economics at the University of Nevada Las Vegas.
