2019-2020 Karen L. Wensch Endowment Award for Outstanding Non-Exempt Staff

Carolyn Good, Administrative Assistant II, Modern Languages, Linguistics, and Intercultural Communication

Since joining the UMBC community in 2005, Carolyn Good has consistently demonstrated the professionalism, strong organizational and interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and sense of humor that are key to being a successful administrative professional. She has earned the respect of administrators, faculty, staff, and students with her proactive nature, friendliness, can-do spirit, kindness, and compassion. 

Upon coming to UMBC, Good joined the Department of Modern Languages, Linguistics, and Intercultural Communication (MLLI), where she was responsible for preparing course schedules and partnering with the Registrar’s Office on scheduling matters. She quickly established herself as a competent and caring member of the MLLI team by creating a more efficient system for processing language proficiency waivers. She served as MLLI’s front door for students, faculty, staff, and visitors, becoming known for her kind and caring personality and warmth when assisting students.

Good moved to the Office of Undergraduate Education in 2008, where she supported the Associate Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education, broadened her knowledge of UMBC departments and programs, and interacted with students, faculty, and staff from across the University, as well as with parents.

The MLLI team universally celebrated Good’s 2010 return because they had come to rely on her steady hand and compassionate nature. Her vast array of responsibilities include supporting the chair and approximately 65 faculty members, ensuring that the department runs efficiently, documenting information for the promotion and tenure and new position search processes, and maintaining student advising records. She often goes above and beyond her regular responsibilities. When the department’s finance personnel left with little notice, she jumped in to take on their responsibilities in addition to her own, and later trained and mentored the new business manager. As a result of these and other contributions, MLLI leadership views Good as instrumental to ensuring the department’s well-being.

Good is also dedicated to serving the broader UMBC community. She coordinates MLLI’s support for the Maryland Charity Campaign and the Retriever Essentials program, even collecting donations from her family and friends to help members of the UMBC community. She also serves her local community by fostering kittens for the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter.