May 7, 2003
Contact: Greg Kummer (509-963-1423/fax 509-963-2301/e-mail: campusbullet@cwu.edu)
ELLENSBURG, Wash. - Ken Baxter, Central Washington
University’s director of housing and conference services, will be
honored May 15 as a state Extra Mile Award winner. The ceremony is
scheduled for 9:30 a.m. in Barge 412 on the CWU Ellensburg campus.
State auditor Brian Sonntag will make the presentation.
Those nominating Baxter referred his clear sense of purpose,
dedication to his work, service to clients, vision, improving staff
morale, recruiting tools for prospective students and his involvement
with programs including the Chimpanzee and Human Communication
Institute. He also has been a driving force in the renovation of
Kamola Hall, CWU’s oldest residence facility.
“Not only did Ken coin the term ‘Chimposium,’ but he helped
to design and then implement this very successful program,” one
nominator said of the chimpanzee instructional program. “Ken continues
to make visitors aware of our programs and has facilitated the Central
Sampler Chimposium program for prospective students and their families.
This first exposure to CHCI is a valuable tool for recruiting students
for both our academic and volunteer programs.”
Another person said, “I am convinced that the cost effective
and service-oriented leadership which Ken has passed down to his staff
is the reason for people to return to enjoy the relaxed environment of
the Conference Center.”
The Extra Mile Award is given to an individual or group that
surpasses expectations for exemplary public service by demonstrating
attributes including innovative solution, efficiency and visionary
thinking.
Each year, state employees are selected by the Productivity
Board, a division within the Office of the Secretary of State. The
award is a feature of Public Service Recognition Week.
Baxter was hired by CWU in 1991 as Conference Services
Manager, and later added residential services responsibilities. In
1999, Baxter and his staff were honored by the Washington chapter of
the American Legion for their support of American Legion Evergreen Boys
State.
