VMTH Business Coordinator Receives Texas A&M Meritorious Service Award

Sandra Church headshot
Sandra Church

Sandra Church, a business coordinator for the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH), has been recognized with a 2021 President’s Meritorious Service Award for demonstrating a commitment to the Aggie core values of excellence, integrity, leadership, loyalty, respect, and selfless service.

The President’s Meritorious Service Award was created in 1986 by the Office of the President and The Association of Former Students to recognize and reward staff for their commendable service to the university.

As a member of the VMTH human resources (HR) team, Church is responsible for a variety of supportive duties, including on-boarding new hires, ensuring all hospital personnel are up-to-date on required trainings, and supervising three other HR employees and additional student workers.

She was nominated for the award by Dr. Stacy Eckman, the associate dean of hospital operations and a clinical associate professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVMBS).

“Since COVID started, Sandra has been instrumental in ensuring the hospital is compliant with regulations and that we have protocols in place to protect our teams and campus,” Eckman said. “She was here every day—before, during, and after hours—communicating with the staff and continually liaising with campus HR and EHS (Environmental Health & Safety).”

Eckman noted Church’s continuous dedication to her role and her commitment to always being available to support her fellow VMTH members.

“Sandra was the first stop any time there was a COVID-19 exposure to faculty, staff, or students,” Eckman said. “She was called and texted night and day, often from stressed individuals, and she maintained her composure even when she was not met with respect or agreement. Sandra is very professional and always greets you with a smile. She is truly a team player in all aspects of the word.”

Beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, Church consistently enhances personnel and payroll operations at the VMTH, supporting more than 400 staff members and clinicians in their mission to provide excellent patient care and client service.

“Sandra has led her HR team during numerous changes and she has been positive, kind, and caring. She is constantly looking for ways that her team can help and support the hospital,” Eckman said. “She leads by example and is visible and present not only for her team, but also everyone around her. She is an invaluable resource for our staff and supervisors.”

Church will receive a monetary award, a commemorative plaque, and a gold lapel pin and will be recognized during a virtual awards ceremony on April 19.

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For more information about the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, please visit our website at vetmed.tamu.edu or join us on FacebookInstagram, and Twitter.

Contact Information: Jennifer Gauntt, Director of VMBS Communications, Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, jgauntt@cvm.tamu.edu, 979-862-4216


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