Stout makes a difference
Brett Weller, ESU Media Relations
Originally published 01:58 p.m., May 8, 2008
Updated 01:58 p.m., May 8, 2008
Jennifer Stout, administrative specialist in the Human Resources Department, has only been employed at Emporia State University for three years. In that short amount of time, she has made a unique impression on her coworkers by being positive and helpful to everyone she meets. This contribution has led her to be one of this month’s You Make a Difference Award winners.
Stout, originally from Colorado and a Colorado State University alumna, assists employees with workers’ compensation questions, enrollment in employee benefit programs and getting graduate assistants and student workers on and off the payroll system. She enjoys all that she does.
“I have the unique opportunity of helping people with the business of their lives in addition to making their work life better,” said Stout. “When at our jobs, we spend time with others getting the ‘work’ of work done. I look for ways to make that easier for others.”
Inspired by a former co-worker, Stout has always tried to be generous with recognition and praise of others, which includes noticing anyone who is doing even the simplest task.
“It truly motivates people to be acknowledged and it is so easy to do,” Stout said. “To me, gratitude is the greatest award we can give one another. It doesn’t have to be a formal award; a heart-felt thank you lets us know we are appreciated.”
This is strengthened by her joy for working at Emporia State.
“I love the sense of community at ESU. You can feel it just walking across campus,” Stout said. “You know you are a part of the tradition and history of education.”
It is easy to see that Stout makes a contribution to that sense of community when asked what her advice to others would be on how to make a difference.
“It is easy to make a difference,” Stout said. “When you give a bit of time to someone who needs it, we all gain. It does not take long to reassure someone they are on the right track.”
“I hope everyone on campus offers a genuine ‘thank you’ for something another employee does,” said Stout.