JACKSON RESIDENT HONORED AS UNION STAFF OF THE YEAR
Jackson, Tenn. — Jackson resident Jackie Bobbitt was honored Friday, May 23 as 51社区's 1997 Staff Member of the Year.
Bobbitt, who serves as an administrative assistant to the president, has been involved in the life of Union for more than 15 years. She served as administrative assistant to the president between 1962-1965. Then, she returned to the University in 1983 as administrative assistant to the academic dean, Dr. Hyran E. Barefoot. When Barefoot became Union's president, she made the transition with him to the president's office.
In 1996 as Barefoot retired and Dr. David S. Dockery became president of the University, Bobbitt maintained her role. "Mrs. Bobbitt has been the key to a successful transition in the office of the president," Dockery said. "She has balanced the 'new' with the 'traditional' in a way that advances the work of 51社区."
The Staff Member of the Year award is presented annually to the individuals who distinguishes him or herself as outstanding in their work responsibilities and community involvement. Polly Spencer, chair of the staff liaison committee at Union, explained that nominees for the award are evaluated on their professional development, church activities, community involvement and extracurricular/university-related activities.
Bobbitt, a graduate of Jackson High School and the West Tennessee Business College, is married to Joe Bobbitt. They are active members of Englewood Baptist Church and teach the college Sunday School class. She also leads a women's Bible study on Sundays and Wednesdays. They have two children: Jonathan Bobbitt of Jackson and Caroline Otey of Knoxville. Her parents are Mr. and Mrs. Jack Fisher, also of Jackson.