Carolyn Privet-Chesterman Awarded President's Award for Outstanding Service

University of Minnesota Rochester’s Administrative Associate of Academic Programs, Carolyn Privet-Chesterman, was the recipient of the University of Minnesota President’s Award for Outstanding Service.

The President's Award for Outstanding Service is presented each year to recognize faculty and staff for their exceptional service to the University, its schools, colleges, departments and service units. 

Privet-Chesterman started working at UMR in March 2016 as Executive Office and Administrative Assistant, where she provided academic support to Center for Learning Innovation faculty and staff. She then quickly moved up to her current position as Administrative Associate of Academic Programs in 2018. In her eight years, she has established herself as a dependable, innovative thinker and vital member of the UMR community.

“Carolyn’s broad-ranging responsibilities–including supporting all of the faculty, assisting with class scheduling, managing student workers, maintaining the budget, reconciling travel and other purchases, and so much more–means that she is indispensable to the institution. Every faculty member knows that if they have any question, the first person to email is Carolyn. This isn’t just because she knows so much, but also because she is always eager to help and communicates so effectively that faculty and staff never hesitate to reach out to her,” remarks Dr. Norman Clark, Senior Director of Academic Affairs.

In addition Privet-Chesterman has been heavily involved in DEI initiatives, such as the Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Circles, a campus-led event to discuss topics around diversity. She has served on the UMR Staff Assembly board as President and Vice President and currently serves as UMR’s Civil Service Senate representative. She is also a critical member of UMR's Research and Education Symposium committee.

“From my perspective as an instructor, she does important work and makes all involved parties feel seen. Carolyn does this consistently. It is exceptional -- and Carolyn deserves the recognition that the President’s Award for Outstanding Service brings,” praises Dr. Jessie Barnett Schimek, Senior Lecturer.  

Carolyn and the other 2024 recipients of this award will be recognized at the May Board of Regents meeting. A reception honoring recipients will also be held on Monday, June 10 at the Weisman Art Museum.