2018-2019 Karen L. Wensch Endowment Award for Outstanding Non-Exempt Staff

Shelly Graham, Executive Administrative Assistant, Student Affairs

For more than 30 years, Shelly Graham has demonstrated an exemplary work ethic and has performed her many responsibilities with the utmost dignity and grace — all with a bright smile and great sense of humor.

A key member of the Student Affairs executive office, Graham is often the first point of contact in the division for faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni, and external constituents. She is known for her helpfulness and positive demeanor in responding to any and all colleague and guest questions and concerns, with an emphasis on delivering the best possible customer service. In her role with the division, she is responsible for training and supporting members of the community on matters of policy and procedure. This includes handling situations that may be highly sensitive and confidential. Her professionalism and compassion when responding to difficult situations make her a natural fit for this responsibility, and she is seen by others as an invaluable resource to the division and UMBC community. A steward of employee recognition and achievement, Graham oversees the Student Affairs Outstanding Staff Awards process, a bi-annual celebration of divisional staff excellence. She also serves on the division’s “Wisdom Council,” where she shares her institutional knowledge and advice to new hires.

Graham has helped coordinate many local and regional community service projects for the division over the years, including efforts to support the Maryland Food Bank, Southwest Emergency Services, Good Shepherd Services, Howard County Animal Shelter, The Children’s Home in Catonsville, and the Halethorpe Fire Department. She has served as a member of the Maryland Charity Campaign cabinet and, most recently, as lead campus coordinator for the 2018 campaign.

She is a representative on the UMBC Non-Exempt Staff Senate shared governance group and a member of the Maryland Association of Educational Office Professionals.