Barbara Heidinger Is Staff Employee of the Year

Barbara Heidinger, administrative support coordinator for the Department of Psychology for the last five years, was named the 2005 Outstanding Staff Employee of the Year. She is described as “the heart of the psychology department,” and the morale of the staff and the climate of the department office are the highest they have been in years. Her enthusiasm for whatever she is doing is contagious.

Heidinger has been a member of the campus community for more than 27 years. Her original employment on campus was in the Center for Regional and Continuing Education.

Heidinger is reported to be an excellent office manager by balancing efficiency, expertise, warmth and friendliness, organization, and a work ethic that is second to none. She manages more than 30 faculty and two office staff and conducts every aspect of her job with a smile, creating a work environment that is warm and supportive of success.

Comments from those who work with Heidinger include “inspires dedication in co-workers,” “sincere enthusiasm to be a facilitator and team player,” “sets a tone that is friendly, professional, and respectful,” “combines exceptional competence with exceptional humanity and humility,” and “exhibits an unharried and upbeat demeanor and provides a needed sense of calm.”

Heidinger handles an astounding variety of tasks and seems to know every inch of the campus. Co-workers describe her as “organized, prompt, diligent, and helpful.”

Heidinger is dedicated to community service. A founding member of the Soroptomist International of Bidwell Rancho, she has served in a leadership position for several years. She is the marketing chair for the annual Micro Brew Fest fund-raiser, helping to raise approximately $30,000 annually to support seniors programs, and she initiated the Soroptomist’s $1,000 scholarships for CSU, Chico psychology students since spring 2002. Heidinger also volunteers for American Cancer Society’s Ambassador of the Year event, as well as the Oscars for the American Heart Association.

—Terry Battle, Staff Council