Kirsten Hoflaken and Ayellen Valleton are recipients of the College of Education's 2024 Dr. Lewis D. Hunt Service-Leadership Award. The award recognizes two University employees each year for exemplary service and leadership.
Mr. Hoeflaken, a specialist in the University's University Program in Knowledge Management and Evaluation, is a recipient of the Dr. Lewis D. Hunt Service Leadership Award SHRA. Mr. Valleton, the university's business operations manager, is the recipient of the Dr. Lewis D. Hunt Service His Leadership Award EHRA.
Hefkranen: Dr. Lewis D. Hunt Service Leadership Award SHRA Recipient
As a staff senator and senator-elect who has worked at the university for more than eight years, Mr. Hoflaken has led a redefinition of staff governance in the College of Education. From 2022 to 2023, she was instrumental in establishing the College of Education Employee Organization (CED So), believed to be the first employee governance organization of its kind at North Carolina State University.
“I am honored to receive the Dr. Lewis D. Hunt Service-Leadership Award in recognition of the work we do at the University.Staff have different roles than faculty and students, and therefore have different needs, challenges, and career paths. “Winning this award means that your work is recognized and gives you a sense of belonging,” said Hoflaken. “This award goes in part to my amazing colleagues on the College of Education Staff Organization (CED So) committee. Advocating and representing the voices of College of Education staff would not be possible without our colleagues at CED So. It is possible. Our organization is dedicated to promoting the well-being of College of Education staff and being an advocate for the College's leadership team.”
In its role in knowledge management and evaluation, Hoeflaken has always responded to data requests and provided accurate information in a timely manner. “Kirsten is an outstanding colleague and has demonstrated outstanding leadership both as a staff senator and as an alternate senator,” the nominator said.
Valleton: Dr. Lewis D. Hunt Service Leadership Award EHRA Recipient
As Business Operations Manager with the College for more than 11 years, Mr. Valleton has led the way in establishing new, more efficient practices and tools to enhance the business services that College of Education faculty and staff rely on every day.
“I am honored not only to be nominated for this very special service-leadership award, but also to be a part of this great university,” Valleton said. “I will always try to support and assist the faculty, staff, and students to the best of my ability. I am truly happy.”
Valeton has developed comprehensive training manuals and newsletters to keep universities informed about policies and regulations. She has developed an innovative and streamlined financial trading system that is more user friendly. She has demonstrated creativity in finding solutions to business and financial problems while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and university policies. She is also a member of the College of Education Wellness Committee. Her nominator said, “Iellene Barreton is recognized for her extraordinary contributions in building a culture of trust and fairness, and for her commitment to excellence both in herself and those around her.'' He is a worthy candidate.”
About the Hunt Award
The Dr. Lewis D. Hunt Service-Leadership Award recognizes two College of Education employees (one SHRA employee and one EHRA non-faculty or administrator) each year for excellence in service-leadership by exceeding expectations in their respective capacities. We will award this award for demonstrating this.
This award recognizes College of Education alum Louis Hunt '00PHD's distinguished 32-year career at North Carolina State University. Eligible award recipients are those who have been employed by the university for at least three years, have worked at least 30 hours each week, and have been nominated by a colleague.
The College of Education awarded the first two Hunt Awards in 2023. The 2023 recipients are Annona Smith-Williams, who will retire as associate dean for student success and strategic community engagement in spring 2024, and Anne van Elsu, former graduate student services coordinator. It was Mr. in the Department of Educational Leadership, Policy, and Human Development.
