Business office staffer honored with president’s service award

Sustained, outstanding service to Texas A&M University has garnered a 2013-14 [President’s Meritorious Service Award] (http://employees.tamu.edu/recognition/pmsa/) for Kevin Gustavus, an administrator “known as the go-to person” for resolving business-related matters at the College of Architecture.

Gustavus and 14 additional university staffers were presented with the award, funded by [The Association of Former Students] (http://www.aggienetwork.com/) , by interim university president Dr. Mark Hussey at a Feb. 26, 2014 ceremony in Rudder Theatre.

“We are fortunate to have so many dedicated staff employees on our campus,” said Hussey. “Because of them, our faculty and students can reach their fullest potential. Because of them, Texas A&M is one of the nation’s truly great public universities.”

Gustavus, whose responsibilities include managing the college’s revenue, payroll, continuing education and project accounts and supervising and training office staff members, performs his duties in an exemplary manner, said Chris Novasad, the college’s assistant dean for finance and administration, in a letter nominating Gustavus for the honor.

“He is quite often the go-to person for all matters related to college business,” said Novasad. “Everyone understands that Kevin always has their best interests in mind.”

J. Thomas Regan, a former dean of the college, lauded Gustavus’ knowledge of business office procedures, a sustained work ethic, unquestioned trustworthiness and friendly demeanor.

“I learned from many of his colleagues that he was an invaluable part of the college’s business administration,” said Regan in a nomination letter.

In 2008, after returning to teaching and research, heading three research organizations, Regan learned even more of Gustavus’ capabilities.

“Each of these units had unique budgetary and regulatory restrictions requiring unique services from the business office, and Gustavus’ management of diverse funds for all three units was outstanding,” said Regan, who retired in 2011. “He always made certain our operations were within the regulations of each budget and communicated directly and effectively with university, national, and international personnel involved with each program, saving me and my colleagues valuable time and effort.”

Gustavus also serves on the college’s staff development and administrative staff committees and the university staff council. He is frequently asked to serve on ad hoc university committees because of his expertise with its financial and academic systems.

The President’s Meritorious Service Awards are presented annually to 15 outstanding staff employees and one outstanding team of employees for their meritorious service to the university. Nominations are submitted in the fall and an anonymous committee selects recipients.

Each individual recipient receives a $700 cash award, a commemorative plaque and an award lapel pin. Team recipients are recognized with a plaque for departmental display.