Sixteen academic professionals and civil service staff members have received the Chancellor’s Staff Excellence Award recognizing exceptional performance at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. A CSEA committee recommends finalists, who are approved by Illinois Chancellor Robert Jones.
Among the sixteen recipients is Beth Spark, assistant dean for admissions and enrollment. Beth Spark excels in the management of crucial day-to-day operations and has built a national reputation as a top leader. Over the past decade, she has managed dramatic increases in graduate applications and admissions while maintaining high standards of service and efficiency.
Spark’s impact extends far beyond Illinois, as she actively shares her expertise with colleagues at peer institutions. She was appointed to the National Association for Graduate Admissions Professionals’ Education Committee, where she helps plan educational activities for members, including the annual conference and professional development events. Her collaborative approach to peer development has enhanced the overall quality of graduate education across multiple institutions while strengthening professional relationships between universities.
Her most notable achievement is the development of the “enrolled student module” within Slate, which is revolutionizing how the university manages student information and communications. Her exceptional talent for building consensus and fostering collaboration has created a workplace where every team member feels valued and motivated to excel. She approaches every challenge with creativity and determination, while never losing sight of the human element. Her leadership style inspires loyalty and dedication, resulting in a cohesive team that consistently achieves remarkable results.