Jo Watkins can’t talk about her Gold U right this minute.
There’s a man on the phone who needs her help. He has questions about his benefits.
Eventually, though, she comes out of her office and invites her visitor in to talk about this honor she received in January, an honor she calls “really satisfying.”
But they both know if the phone rings again, the visitor will be shown out of the office — courteously — and will have to wait.
Because if a UNMC employee needs help, well, Jo Watkins is here to help them.
“I always consider how I’d like someone to work with my parents or my child if they came in,” said Watkins, a benefits specialist in the UNMC Department of Human Resources.
That attitude results in a degree of customer service that Watkin’s colleague Linda Cunningham calls consistently outstanding.
“For years, she has been the campus ‘go to’ person for benefits,” Cunningham said. “Faculty and staff all benefit from her expertise, and she really cares about the well-being of everyone she helps.”
For years is right. Watkins has been at UNMC since 1974, more than 30 of those years in the benefits office.
“People ask, ‘How can you stay there for that long and not be bored?'” she said. “Easy answer — because there are constant changes at UNMC. You don’t have a chance to get bored. I’d tell anyone that UNMC is a great place to work.”
And Watkins works. In fact, Jayme Nekuda, associate director of human resources, calls Watkins one of the hardest workers she knows.
“If Jo is asked to work on a project, it will get accomplished on time and with no errors,” Nekuda said. “Jo never complains when projects get added to her desk — she merely puts her head down and gets them done.”
And — since the phone isn’t ringing — Watkins does have something important to say. Not about herself, of course. About her co-workers.
“It’s very nice to be recognized for my contributions, but I hope people realize the team effort here in the benefits office is really what makes it work,” she said.
About UNMC, a place she loves.
“People should really look at what’s available to them at UNMC.”
She points to the tuition remission benefit as just one of “the wonderful things people get by being an employee here.”
She’s used it. You can, too.
And if you have questions? Jo Watkins is only a phone call away.
Congratulations Jo. You have always been so helpful
Congratulations, Jo! You are definitely my 'go to' benefits person. Awesome recognition and well-deserved!
Congratulations Jo — a well deserved honor. I have been one of those people who calls her office and as Linda Cunningham said, "she is the go to person" when it comes to benefits.
Congratulations Jo! For many years I relied on your expertise. You are a UNMC star!!
Congratulations Jo! A much deserved recognition.
Congratulations Jo! A well deserved recognition. It is an honor to work with someone as wonderful as you!
Congratulations! Thanks for all you do! Truly appreciated.
An award well deserved. Congrats Jo!
Congratulations, Jo, on the well-deserved recognition of your dedication!
Congratulations, Jo. You are a treasure. It is great you are receiving this recognition,
A well-deserved award! Congrats to you!
I'd like to echo all the positive comments about Jo! When I arrived about 3.5 years ago she walked me through all the benefits options, answered my questions, and she's continued to do so, quickly, cheerfully, and always correctly! I wish everyone had her attitude and work ethic!
Adding my congratulations Jo. You are definitely my go to person for benefits questions. Always helpful and always cheerful. You are a pleasure to work with . I'm sure your job is not as easy as you make it seem. Well done.
Congratulations! This is a well-deserved honor for the person who is the "Source" for so much HR information at UNMC. This honor could not go to a more deserving UNMC employee! Thank you for all you do.
Congratulations, Jo.
Congratulations Jo!
So absolultely true, congratulations Jo!
For someone that doesn't work for UNMC but yet has employees that do….Jo you been a life saver on many occasions. Thank You and Congrats!
Congratulations Jo
Congratulations, Jo! I always sincerely appreciate the help you've given me over the years. Thank you!
Jo, what a great honor and well deserved. I have appreciated your guidance over the years to help simplify a continual changing process.
Congratulations Jo. Thanks for sharing your knowlege and expertice with us!
Congratulations Jo! You are always so nice and helpful when we call about benefits issues – very well-deserved honor!
This is a well deserved award! I've relied on Jo countless times, each being provided with exceptional kindness. THANK YOU!!
Congratulations, Jo!