University names five staffers as this year's OA Stars

Five University of Oregon officers of administration have been named OA Stars for 2016, after being nominated by their peers for outstanding commitment to the mission, vision and values of the University of Oregon and for individual impact on the UO community.

The Office of the President and the Officers of Administration Council collaborate on selecting and recognizing the recipients, who receive not only the admiration of their colleagues and university leaders but also get to attend a UO home football game as guests in the president’s suite.

This year’s OA Stars and the work their peers recognized in nominating them:

EnJolí Alexander, residence life coordinator, University Housing: a "rock and foundation" for many in communities of color, helping to create a new academic residential community for students from the pan-African diaspora, listening and giving voice to those in need and working with partners across divisional and cultural lines.

Deanna Chappell Belcher, Service Learning Program director, Family and Human Services in theCollege of Education: coordinating outreach programs between UO students, faculty and local K-12 schools, sending UO students on service projects to developing countries to help build sports courts, and introducing students to the idea of community, service and global citizenship.

Eric Boggs, assistant director for experiential learning at the Holden Center: developing an academic residential community, leading alternative spring break learning experiences, raising funds to help achieve ambitious program goals, and improving cultural understanding and mutual support among UO students.

Lt. Alice Cary, UO Police Department: increasing community policing by UO officers, creating a liaison officer for residents of University Housing, and partnering with the Office of the Dean of Students on an initiative to build stronger ties between students of color and the police department.

Quantrell Willis, assistant dean of students: leading discussions on inclusive practices and empowerment, working with university police on student outreach programs, and thoughtfully guiding student cultural groups as they build relationships and seek to broaden their community impact.