Christopher Austin Avallone, of Springfield, received the University of Tennessee at Martin’s Beth Maloan Outstanding Student Employee Award for the fall 2018 semester during a presentation Dec. 7.

Avallone is a senior political science major and has been a member of the Office of Housing residence life staff for the past three years. As part of his duties, he assists with the administration and assessment of the residence life program, including campus programming, assessment data tracking and student care.

Avallone oversees the residence life year-end awards banquet and often organizes the distribution of student care packages throughout the year. He also keeps the residence life calendar and social media platforms up to date, coordinates the move-in block party to welcome incoming students, and works with local law enforcement and first responders to organize a two-week training period for residence life staff members.

“He genuinely wants to make UTM a great place for all students,” said Phil Bright, director of human resources, during the award presentation. “From taking one of our blind students camping to peer-counseling students in mental distress, he is always willing and able to go above and beyond. Austin embodies the definition of servant leadership.”

The Beth Maloan Outstanding Student Employee Award is named for the late Beth Maloan, longtime UT Martin director of budgeting and payroll, who was a strong advocate of student employment. It recognizes exemplary work ethic and commitment to the university. The award is given each semester to a student nominated by his or her supervising office or department.

For more information, contact the UT Martin Office of University Relations at 731-881-7615.

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