Chuck Thompson Awards

2023 Chuck Thompson Award Winners

The Awards:

In honor of former Assistant Director of Facilities Services, Charles F. (Chuck) Thompson, his son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Richard C. Thompson, established an endowment with the University of Tennessee specifically designated for two annual cash-incentive awards for non-exempt employees of our department.

Every year, two awards are given, one from the skilled craft areas and one from the clerical, services and support areas, and each recipient must have at least 10 years of service with the university. This year, 27 people were nominated across a total of 50 nominations, and it is the consensus of the committee that the winning individuals embody the very spirit of these awards.

The person chosen for the 2023 Chuck Thompson Award in Crafts is someone who doesn’t just seek to complete a job, but rather looks for opportunities to improve processes. He is commended for his intelligence, friendliness, and commitment to all he does.

He is constantly looking for ways to streamline each task, often taking on a project and seeing it through so that the part or device in question works better than it ever has. Colleagues praise this individual for being true to his word. His integrity and follow-through make him an incredible asset, not just to his team, but to all who have the privilege of working alongside him.

He leads with kindness and clear communication, and he steps up before he is called upon. He is passionate about the work we do, and it is evident in his leadership. In fact, he is so highly regarded that he has won this award once before.

While he isn’t the type to seek awards or accolades, his commitment to UT Facilities Services deserves recognition. For nearly 33 years, he has supported our Utilities Services unit through innumerable changes.  His leadership during home football games stretches beyond his role to support all of Facilities Services, and many who work alongside him are proud to call him a friend. He is modest about his accomplishments, but his work speaks for itself.

Congratulations to our winner: Mr. Chris Webb, Electrical Services foreman, Utilities Services.

The Service/Clerical winner of the 2023 Chuck Thompson Award is someone who has served in various roles throughout his time in Facilities Services and has shown the same persistence and commitment in each job he tackles.

He is an exceptional team member who exemplifies professionalism, courtesy, and work ethic. He is lauded for his good attitude and incredible customer service, and the pride he brings to his own work team is noticed by customers and co-workers alike.

If you ask his team, they’ll tell you that he’s one of the best bosses they’ve ever had. He empowers his staff and trusts them to get the job done, and he’s never hesitant to jump in and help. He models leadership by example every day.

If you ask our customers, they can’t say enough good things about this individual and those he leads. He makes it his personal mission to support UT’s growth and goes the extra mile in ensuring that campus events are successfully executed.

His 19 years of service are marked by positive and confident leadership, even as the responsibilities of his team have skyrocketed in recent years. He has met every challenge with determination and grit, and he continues to be a shining example of what it means to be a Volunteer.

Congratulations to our winner:  Mr. Chris Mabe, Moving & Events Services supervisor, Facilities Services Operations.