supervisor of the year award

Here is what Becki’s nominators said about her:

 “It is with great enthusiasm that we nominate Dr. Becki Bury for the Outstanding Supervisor Award. As an Associate Director for Residential Programs and Services at the University of Georgia, Dr. Bury exemplifies excellence in supervision through her dedication to staff development, her ability to foster a motivating and inclusive work environment, and her unwavering commitment to the mission of UGA Student Affairs. Her leadership has had a profound impact not only on those she directly supervises but also on the entire department and university community.

Dr. Bury is deeply committed to the professional and personal growth of her staff. She creates individualized development plans for each team member, ensuring that they have the necessary support, mentorship, and opportunities to reach their full potential. Under her leadership, numerous graduate students and entry-level professionals have successfully transitioned into mid-level and senior roles. Her investment in her team extends beyond skill-building—she prioritizes their well-being, fostering an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.
Beyond her direct reports, she takes time to personally connect with every graduate student in our unit, creating a culture of mentorship that extends across the department. Many of our graduate students affectionately refer to her as “Auntie Becki,” a testament to the safe space, guidance, and tough love she provides daily.

Dr. Bury leads by example, balancing high standards with a people-first approach. When our department faced significant changes in leadership, she became a stabilizing force, ensuring continuity and morale during uncertain times. She has spearheaded the development of essential training programs, created foundational documents, and revised policies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Her ability to anticipate challenges and proactively implement solutions has been instrumental in strengthening our department and aligning it with the broader mission of UGA Student Affairs.

One of her most notable achievements has been leading the transformation of the Residential Belonging Assistants (RBA) initiative, an effort that directly impacts diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in UGA Housing. Despite initial resistance and skepticism, she navigated the challenges with strategic vision and unwavering resolve, resulting in a highly successful program that now serves as a model for other institutions. Her ability to listen, adapt, and inspire confidence in those around her played a crucial role in making this initiative a success.

Dr. Bury cultivates an inclusive, supportive, and high-achieving workplace culture. She builds strong relationships with her team based on trust and mutual respect, creating a work
environment where employees feel heard, valued, and motivated. Her leadership style blends accountability with compassion, ensuring that expectations are met while also prioritizing work-life balance and professional fulfillment.

She is particularly skilled at providing constructive feedback in a way that encourages growth rather than discouragement. Her ability to challenge staff to think critically and innovate has led to new departmental initiatives, process improvements, and increased engagement across the board.
Dr. Bury’s contributions extend far beyond her immediate team. She actively collaborates with university partners, serves as a mentor for emerging professionals, and presents at regional and national conferences to share best practices in housing and student development. She is a pillar of leadership within SEAHO (Southeastern Association of Housing Officers), where she has served in multiple leadership roles, including Marketing Chair, Awards & Recognition Committee member, and Regional Entry Level Institute faculty member.

Additionally, she has dedicated her time to speaking engagements at UGA’s College Student Affairs Administration (CSAA) master’s program, where she shares insights from her professional journey and recent dissertation defense. Her ability to connect with and inspire future student affairs professionals highlights her dedication to shaping the next generation of leaders in higher education.
Dr. Becki Bury is not just a supervisor—she is a mentor, an advocate, and an inspiration to all who have the privilege of working with her. Her impact on staff development, team success, and the overall mission of UGA Student Affairs makes her an exceptional candidate for the Outstanding Supervisor Award. She embodies the very essence of exemplary leadership and commitment to excellence.
We strongly encourage the committee to recognize Dr. Bury for her outstanding contributions to UGA Student Affairs. Please feel free to reach out if additional information is needed.”