“Visitors would invariably make their way to her office when other executive offices were closed, and she was so helpful and kind,” says a colleague deeply appreciative of Hanson's presence at Hurley from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, as others worked hybrid schedules early-on in the pandemic.
President Neal Smatresk recognized Hanson as the January 2022 Brand Ambassador of the Month for being supportive, industrious, friendly, dedicated and persevering.
“You're always positive,” Smatresk says. “You're a ray of sunshine on dark days in Hurley and we really love what you do for everyone.”
Helping students and her colleagues is a top priority for Hanson, and she is known as a collaborator who “goes out of her way to lighten the load.”
“True joy is when a student is lost in the hall and I get to help them find their way or settle down a parent and get them to someone who can help,” Hanson says. “Helping others throughout the day and doing the best job I can was ingrained in me early in my life by two parents who worked hard every day and helped others when they could.”
Hanson's father, a brick mason who is now 85, worked on the construction of Willis Library back in the ‘70s.
“He still loves working every day laying brick and carving stone,” Hanson says. “He truly is my inspiration.”
If you have a colleague you would like to be considered for this award, email brandambassador@unt.edu with a description of why you're nominating the individual. The award recipient must exhibit at least four of the 12 UNT brand attributes.