Here are their responses (note the theme in the answers to the second question):

What makes the staff in your school great?

Vigor Yang (AE): The AE staff make our school welcoming to new students. They help our faculty establish an efficient and productive learning environment. And they constantly find ways to make the impossible happen. They are more than the sum of their parts, and more creative than words can describe.​

Ravi Bellamkonda (BME): Our staff at BME is dedicated and very hard workers and are fantastic at thinking outside the box to make our department shine. They help to make our students, faculty and fellow staff feel like they are truly part of an extended family.​

Reginald DesRoches (CEE): They are always willing to pitch in when called upon. We have been through significant turnover over the past two years. Whenever we have a gap, staff are more than willing to step in to cover. They are the best!​

David Sholl (ChBE): Without a lot of work by all these folks, none of the good things in the School would happen. Our staff manages to make all the details work (even managing to make it look easy). They clearly put a great deal of thought and work into making things flow seamlessly.

Steven McLaughlin (ECE): How much our staff cares about our students and is always will to do what it takes for the students. There is a positive can-do approach to our staff that makes the students realize how much we care.

Jane Ammons (ISyE): ISyE staff are a key part of the number one industrial and systems engineering team. Our staff are dedicated, determined, and making a difference every day in the lives of our students, faculty, research programs, alums, and industry constituents.

Bill Wepfer (ME): Woodruff staff members are incredibly talented and dedicated. The positive attitudes that they convey are infectious!

Naresh Thadhani (MSE): The staff in MSE approaches things as a team!  Whether it’s a large project requiring detailed planning or a fun staff event, it’s never one person carrying the load but a group who voluntarily step in to work together.

How do you show appreciation to your staff? 

Vigor Yang (AE): As humbled as we are by our staff’s many extraordinary contributions to AE, we are not shy about telling them how much we appreciate them. Minimally, we go out for a staff lunch, host a barbeque, or hold some other event where the only requirements are gratitude, laughter, and a decadent dessert.​

Ravi Bellamkonda (BME): BME is planning our first staff appreciation luncheon this year. Also we are creating opportunities to enhance our faculty/staff relationship; similar to what we did with “Bring Your Child to Work Day” this past month. 

Reginald DesRoches​ (CEE): I tell them as often as I can.​

David Sholl (ChBE): We strive to publicly acknowledge our staff's accomplishments as often as possible, as well as making ChBE a great working environment. ​

Steven McLaughlin (ECE): We realize how hard our staff members work, sometimes even coming in early or staying late to get work done when needed. We try to make up for it by given them some schedule flexibility when circumstances allow for it. I also have regular informal lunches with smaller groups of staff where we talk about what's on people's minds.  Usually they are fun and casual. We also have a very vibrant ECE Buzz Bunch that we support however we can.

Jane Ammons (ISyE): Feed them – from an annual lunch to ice cream on a hot day.​

Bill Wepfer (ME): Each fall, I schedule a series of lunch sessions with staff members to allow folks to air their thoughts and opinions about the state of the school. I love to ask: "What one thing would you change to make the School better?" Throughout the year we try to do several things to enhance the quality of the working environment. I know that many staff appreciate the flexibility we offer our employees, especially around holidays, so they have more time with family.​

Naresh Thadhani (MSE): The professional achievements and personal milestones in our lives are recognized and celebrated. We have staff luncheons, an annual retreat and an overall atmosphere of respect.

What one word or phrase would you use to describe your staff?

Vigor Yang (AE): They are the engine behind Aerospace Engineering.​

Ravi Bellamkonda (BME): Executing our mission with passion and excellence despite the challenge of limited resources. 

Reginald DesRoches (CEE): Commitment to excellence.​

David Sholl (ChBE): Cheerful​.

Steven McLaughlin (ECE):  Caring.

Jane Ammons (ISyE): Fantastic!​

Bill Wepfer (ME): Dedicated.

Naresh Thadhani (MSE): Dedicated.