Meet Hilary Ridgway, October 2019 Classified Employee of the Month

The purpose of the Non-bargaining Classified Employee of the Month award is to acknowledge and recognize those who are setting the standards for excellence and innovation at Ohio University.

This recognition is Classified Senate’s way of awarding those employees who have shown outstanding individual achievement and performance of their jobs, while inspiring and supporting the achievement of others. Criteria include:

• Positive attitude and serving as a role model
• Productivity and commitment to quality
• Initiative and taking on additional responsibilities

The October 2019 recipient is Hilary Ridgway, administrative associate in the School of Nursing. She was nominated by Cheryl Brimner, operations coordinator in the College of Health Sciences and Professions.

The following are a sampling of the comments Brimner wrote on the nomination form:

Hilary is always so upbeat and willing to take the extra step to ensure the job is done right. For the past four months, she had to assist in covering the front desk reception area and pick up the duties of the administrative assistant. She does this with no complaints and rarely takes an unscheduled day off. Her smile is very welcoming and sincere and is always a pleasure to work with.

One of Hilary’s key accomplishment is the School of Nursing Athens Campus Master Schedule, which is a master schedule kept for all Nursing courses offered through Athens and eCampus. The master schedule is used often by the School of Nursing Leadership team and must be accurate. Hilary keeps the schedule updated with no errors.

Another accomplishment is the School of Nursing’s Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing selection. For the first time, Hilary participated in the program’s selection process for the Athens BSN during Spring Semester and was able to create files, maintain a spreadsheet and update all of the applicants in a timely manner. This included receiving background checks and applications for more than 175 applications. She also created and maintained a spreadsheet with grades, cumulative GPAs, background checks, etc. Hilary is a team player and a huge asset to the School of Nursing!

 

How surprised were you to win the Employee of the Month award?

What a pleasant surprise! I feel very honored to be nominated.

 

What is your job title and how long have you worked it?

I’ve been an administrative services associate for a year and with the School of Nursing almost four years.

 

What are the most enjoyable things about your job?

I enjoy assisting students with their needs and concerns. My co-workers make it easy to enjoy the workday. We have a great team in the School of Nursing.

 

What is your hometown and where do you live now?

I was born and raised in Athens, but live in Pomeroy.

 

What was the last good book you read?

I’ve been slacking in the reading department lately, but I enjoy anything by Jodi Picoult.

 

If you weren’t in your present job, you would be ___?

If a professional puppy cuddler was a thing I’d be that.

 

What things in life are the most important to you?

My family and friends.

 

Where is your favorite vacation destination?

I’m fortunate enough to have family in Bradenton, Florida, and Anna Maria Island is right down the road. Beautiful, white sand beaches and a bright blue ocean. Another favorite destination would be Aruba. That island is truly one of a kind.

 

What are your hobbies?

CrossFit, traveling and adventures with my husband and puppy, Gilligan.

 

What is something that most people don’t know about you?

The past two years, I’ve had the opportunity to travel to Aruba and compete in their island’s fitness festival.

 

What are your favorite TV shows?

“MasterChef,” “Stranger Things,” “Property Brothers,” and “The Good Doctor.” “Dexter” and “Bones” are also two of my all-time favorites.  

 

Who are your favorite musicians?

Simple Plan, Thomas Rhett, Papa Roach, Backstreet Boys and Our Last Night.

 

What is the next big event you can't wait for? 

I’m very excited for the upcoming holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

 

What is your dream car/truck/SUV?  

I couldn’t turn down a Ford F-150 Raptor.

 

What is your favorite sayings or quotes? 

Be scared and do it anyway.