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UGA Recognizes Three Institute Faculty and Staff for Distinguished Public Service

At the 21st Annual Public Service and Outreach (PSO) Meeting and Awards Luncheon on April 16, the Vice President for PSO honored three Vinson Institute faculty and staff—Rusty Brooks, Dennis Epps, and Michelle Bailey—with awards recognizing their exemplary contributions to the public service mission of the University of Georgia.

"We're so happy to see the impressive work of these Vinson Institute faculty and staff recognized by the university and the Vice President's office," said Vinson Institute Director Laura Meadows. "Rusty, Dennis, and Michelle exemplify what makes public service at the University of Georgia such an important asset to the state. Their work and commitment are excellent expressions of what it means to serve Georgia."

Rusty Brooks, associate director of the Institute's International Center, was the 2012 recipient of the Walter Bernard Hill Distinguished Public Service Fellow Award, UGA's highest award in public service and outreach. Brooks came to UGA in 1982 and has earned a worldwide reputation for his efforts to share the expertise and resources of the university with governments around the world. Through training for government officials and employees, shared technical assistance, and research, the programs Brooks directs help governments abroad become better able to respond to their people's needs. Brooks's work facilitates networks among Georgia and countries around the globe and between U.S. and international leaders, leading in some cases to exploration of economic development opportunities in Georgia.

Dennis Epps, the Vinson Institute's deputy director, received the Hill Award for Distinguished Achievement, which recognizes UGA faculty for their outstanding contributions to the improvement of the quality of life in Georgia or elsewhere. Epps joined the Institute in 2010 as associate director of the Governmental Services and Research Division, which provides a wide variety of customized assistance and research to state and local governments throughout Georgia to help them better serve their constituents and make informed decisions. He has helped establish the Vinson Institute as a key resource for support to major statewide initiatives from the Office of the Governor and the Georgia General Assembly. Epps also served in public service roles at the Fanning Institute and the Archway Partnership.

Michelle Bailey was a recipient of the 2012 Public Service and Outreach Staff Award for Excellence honoring outstanding effort and workplace creativity and innovation. Bailey is a data management specialist in the Institute's Survey Research and Evaluation Unit, which conducts research and program evaluation for state agencies, local governments, nonprofit organizations, and other clients throughout Georgia. Bailey helps oversee and develop surveys, and she works closely with national, local, and state clients to assess their research needs, manage the distribution and collection of surveys, and assist in the presentation and analysis of survey results. With her assistance, governments and other clients are able to have a better understanding of the quality of services they provide and receive insights into possible improvements.