September 13 has always been a special day for Beth Williamson Ayers, M.S. — it’s her birthday.

But it was even more special this year because it was also the day she was presented with the College of Health Profession’s Staff Excellence in Outstanding Achievement Award for the dedication she brings as the Department of Health Administration’s Director of Outreach and Professional Affairs.

Ayers, a face of the department who has served in numerous roles during her 20-year tenure at the College, is known for her inviting personality as she creates connections between colleagues and alumni. Ayers, her colleagues say, is instrumental in organizing alumni events, handling fundraising efforts, and leading building tours — among many duties.

She is the second recipient of the annual award, which was created last year to honor an exceptional CHP staff member who exemplifies the College’s mission and values.

“This award is very meaningful to me as I have the privilege of working with incredible colleagues, students, and alumni every day,” Ayers says. “I enjoy connecting students with our alumni, and I particularly appreciate the opportunity to work with our accomplished alumni and supporters to create opportunities for our students.”

Ayers received the award at a ceremony where Senior IT Analyst Kyle Whitlow received CHP’s Customer Service Award. Michael Forder, MEd, the College of Health Profession’s Director of E-Learning, nominated Whitlow for that award, noting how he’s always ready to address IT needs for students, visiting guests, faculty, and staff.

“Rather than see the issue as being purely technological, he looks to support the whole person,” Forder wrote in Whitlow’s nomination letter. “While much of Kyle’s work is behind the scenes, it can be recognized in the way that others speak of him. There is relief and assurance in their words when they know that Kyle will be there to support their initiatives.”

Jeffrey R. Lodge, Director of Information Technology & Facilities, recalls how Whitlow’s experience with CHP started 5 years ago with an “outstanding interview” and how Forder talked about how they should go ahead and hire Whitlow.

“He hasn’t disappointed,” Lodge says of Whitlow. “Taking on so many projects and not just easy ones, he has worked with faculty and staff throughout every department and treats everyone equally."

Health Administration Professor Laura E. McClelland, Ph.D., nominated Ayers for the award, calling her “a role model of the kind of human and colleague so many of us aspire to emulate.”

“I continue to be impressed and in awe of the way in which she fosters belonging and community,” McClelland, director of the Ph.D. program in Health Services Organization and Research, wrote in Ayers’ nomination letter. “She truly is the glue that keeps our department so closely connected with our alumni population.”

Many others offered letters of support for Ayers, including Kenneth R. White, Ph.D., APRN-BC, FACHE, FAAN, president of the American Academy of Nursing and emeritus faculty of VCU Health Administration. White served as director of the MHA program from 2001 to 2008 and was the inaugural Charles P. Cardwell Jr. Professor of Health Administration.

He describes Ayers as an “unsung hero.”

“She has worked quietly and efficiently in building connections with alumni, donors and community partners,” White wrote. “Beth continues to work unselfishly behind the scenes to support alumni and donors in the mission of the Department and College.”

Ayers says she’s grateful for the Staff Excellence Award recognition and for the letters of support.

“It is a pleasure to be a part of this talented community,” Ayers says.

By Sean Gorman
October 13, 2023