In a moment that has become a cornerstone of our annual OAP staff retreat, we recently gathered to honor an individual whose dedication to our shared values has been widely recognized by their colleagues across the University. The OAP Core Values Achievement Award is a celebration of the principles that guide our work every day at the University of Washington’s Office of Academic Personnel.
As we reflected on the core values that form the foundation of our organization—Collaboration, Excellence, Innovation, Diversity, Respect, Service, and Integrity—we were reminded of their importance not just in our work, but in how we interact with each other and our broader community.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who submitted nominations. Your thoughtful contributions have been vital in recognizing the outstanding work within our community. We also want to acknowledge the diligent efforts of our review committee members: Marjorie Olmstead, Tyler Hitt, and Maria MacGregor. Their careful consideration and commitment to fairness ensured that the selection process honored the spirit of this award and put forward a truly standout nominee.
We were delighted to announce that Heather Bliss, the Director of Academic Human Resources in the Office of Academic Personnel, received the 2024 OAP Core Values Achievement Award!
Heather was recognized for her outstanding commitment to upholding our core values, particularly in her collaborative efforts and unwavering pursuit of excellence. Her contributions have not only enhanced our team’s cohesion but have also significantly impacted the broader OAP community. Nominated by peers, direct reports, and even those we serve, Heather’s ability to connect and collaborate across different groups is a testament to her dedication and professionalism.
In their nominations, colleagues highlighted Heather’s ability to foster a culture of respect and inclusivity in every interaction. One colleague noted, “Heather promotes a positive work environment, encouraging her team members to ask questions. During meetings, Heather always actively listens to questions and other team members’ ideas,” reflecting the widespread admiration for Heather’s approach to teamwork and collaboration.
Heather’s empathetic approach to leadership was also a recurring theme in her nominations. “Heather always takes a stance of empathy and collaboration [in] meetings. She always makes a point of checking in on a personal level and ensuring that we are all doing well, not just getting our assigned job tasks done,” another nomination read, underscoring the depth of appreciation for Heather’s role in nurturing a positive and collaborative workplace culture.
Another colleague emphasized Heather’s dedication to excellence, stating, “Heather’s collaborative, respectful, and service-oriented approach to her work positively impacts the OAP team and the broader community,” showcasing how her efforts have consistently raised the standard for everyone around her.
Since Heather was unable to join us in person for the presentation, the presentation was recorded to ensure she received the full measure of our congratulations and appreciation. The team gathered to applaud and cheer, “Congratulations, Heather!” as we celebrated her well-deserved recognition.
Heather’s embodiment of our core values is an inspiration to us all, reminding us of the power of collaboration, respect, and integrity in shaping a brighter future for our organization and the University of Washington community.