Oliver, who works in Campus Technology Support, will celebrate 14 years at the university in June.
Campus Technology Support Technician Syretta Oliver was recently honored with an Acorn Accolade Award from the Office of Information Technology.
“Honestly, I was shocked,” Oliver said. “Just like many others at Elon, I always try to do my very best. To be recognized makes me feel appreciated.”
The Acorn Accolade is awarded each month to an exceptional member of Elon’s Information Technology team. Individuals must be nominated to be considered for the recognition.
Oliver, an Asheboro native, began her information technology career as a technician in the healthcare industry. Soon after, she accepted a position with the Service Desk on Elon’s main campus. When the law school opened, Oliver moved to a computer technician position there. About nine years later, she returned to main campus.
Elon’s ever-changing environment and diverse community is a large part of what Oliver enjoys most about her role. But she also appreciates the challenges that it brings.
“Every day it's something different, something's changing,” she said. “New software is rolling out, new hardware, and we're trying to stay current with everything. We're also trying to still maintain a connection with our users, and we're trying not to lose that personal touch, as we grow.”
Oliver’s connections with faculty, staff and students, along with her strong initiative, quality of work and great customer service make her the ideal Acorn Accolade Award recipient, according to Assistant Director of Campus Technology Support Anthony Bennett.
“One of her strongest traits is her willingness to accept unfamiliar work and tackle new challenges,” said Bennett, who supervises Oliver. “She genuinely enjoys the learning opportunities provided to her and it certainly makes my job easier to have someone so open to being involved and willing to learn.”
Among other initiatives, Oliver was heavily involved with two Canon projects related to faculty/staff and student printing.
“Her work during the planning and setup of those printers, as well as her continued support of both fleets has been exemplary,” Bennett said. “Syretta means a great deal to our team. She’s wonderful to work with, always has a friendly disposition, reliable, and ready to assist her colleagues should they need her to.”
In a recent episode of Information Technology’s Elon IT Decoded video series, Oliver discusses her role on campus and what keeps her busy off campus. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband Marshall and 6-year-old son Josiah. She’s also passionate about sign language and serves in the interpreter ministry at her church, Love and Faith Christian Fellowship in Greensboro.
In June, Oliver will celebrate 14 years at Elon. It’s a milestone that she’s proud to achieve.
“Leadership that recognizes its employees, is very refreshing and re-energizing,” she said. “This nomination means that everyone’s role here is important, and I’m thankful to do my part."