WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., May 19, 2015 — West Liberty University students put their stamp of approval on campus activities by selecting Kate Billings as Staff of the Year for 2015. The official presentation of the award was made at Spring Convocation.

“I am extremely honored to receive this award. I truly enjoy the teamwork environment between our offices and the students here on campus and it feels great to be recognized for my contributions,” Billings said.

As coordinator of campus activities, her office was responsible for 90 or so programs this past year, both for entertainment and educational purposes.

“We did more social events than wellness but it’s a mix. New activities this year were the Winterfest and a wellness center series at the gym, complete with smoothies. Both got great feedback,” she said.

Students pick the staff honoree via nominations and voting organized by the Student Government Association (SGA) every spring. Billing’s award was presented by SGA Vice President Jeffrey Tice, of Chester, W.Va.

“In the short amount of time that Kate has been with West Liberty University, she made significant changes to the types of events that go on around campus, so it was no surprise to us that the students selected her as the staff member of the year. Kate’s student centered attitude and student focused mission make her a very deserving recipient of this award,” Tice said.

Billings joined the University in January 2014 and in addition to planning campus events and activities, she is responsible for supervising clubs and organizations and overseeing the Greek life system of fraternities and sororities. Her supervisor is Jim Compston, area coordinator for First Year Residential Experience, Housing and Student Life.

Previously, Billings was assistant general manager of softball operations and director of ticketing and merchandise with the PA Rebellion and the Washington Wild Things.

She began her career with the Wild Things in 2010, working in community relations and merchandise. Before that, Billings started her professional career in sports with the Bridgeport Bluefish, Bridgeport, Conn., as the merchandise and client services coordinator.

A native of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Billings earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Consulting/Leadership degree from Binghamton University (New York).