'Truly deserving' Alexandra Bussell wins top staff honor in 2025 Awards For Excellence

Alexandra Bussell doesn't like being in the spotlight – so she was surprised when her family and colleagues showed up April 9 to let her know she had won the 2025 Billy Joe Varney Award for Excellence. The honor, part of the annual Staff Awards for Excellence, recognizes a staff member who has made exceptional contributions to the university, its employees and the broader community.

"I've been incredibly fortunate," Bussell said. "I've had many mentors who have guided me and opened doors for my growth. I'm very humbled that my team nominated me. It's an incredible honor."

Bussell, an administrative support manager in the Department of Surgery, has been with the university for nearly 20 years. Jessica Montoya, administrative operations manager in the department, said Bussell has thrived in every role she's held.

"She brings such good energy," Montoya said. "She's dedicated, calm and confident. She listens to you, lends a hand and joins in on initiatives when you need help. I just love working with her."

Nominators pointed to Bussell's "unwavering commitment to service and community engagement." She serves on the department's Surgery Give Back committee, which organizes efforts like meal and gift bag deliveries to patients and their families during the holidays, as well as the Wellness Committee, which puts together team activities like trivia contests and cook-offs.

"She has a wealth of knowledge and she's always willing to help with a positive attitude," said Jessica Holmgren, human resources generalist with the College of Medicine – Tucson. "When award season comes up, we always think hard about someone we believe is truly deserving. Without a doubt, it's Alex."

The honor is named for Billy Joe Varney, associate vice president emeritus for planning and budgeting, who retired in 1988 after a 30-year career. The award comes with a $1,500 cash prize.

The annual Awards for Excellence are presented by the Staff Council with support from the Office of the President. Honorees are nominated by colleagues and selected by a panel of employees who volunteer as judges. Descriptions of all the awards, including criteria and eligibility, can be found on the website for the Employee Recognition Committee, which coordinates the annual awards. Honorees were recognized April 25 at a ceremony in the Student Union Memorial Center.

This year's other winners are listed below.

Center/Department/Institute Award for Excellence
Given to a single organizational unit in recognition of its outstanding excellence in the management of its people and resources. Criteria: culture of promoting a satisfying work environment; leadership in creating and sustaining a dynamic and engaging workplace; environment of high performance. The winning unit receives a plaque.

Indigenous Resilience Center
The center, part of the Arizona Institute for Resilience, aims to position the University of Arizona as a world leader in Indigenous resilience research, education and outreach.

Team Awards for Excellence

Given for outstanding team achievement. Criteria: exceptional contributions toward efficiency and effectiveness of operations; outstanding service to the university community and/or visitors; special efforts in practicing inclusive excellence in the workplace. The award comes with a $1,500 prize to support an activity or purchase to benefit the team.

Main Campus Evaluation Team
This team, part of Admissions, evaluates and provides an admission decision for all undergraduate applicants to the university's Tucson campus.

School of Plant Sciences/Environmental Science/Water Resources Research Center Business Team
This team supports the financial and operational-management aspects of the School of Plant Sciences, the Department of Environmental Science and the Water Resources Research Center.

Individual Awards for Excellence

Given to individual staff members for achievements in activities beyond normal duties. Criteria: outstanding achievement in the workplace; exceptional contributions toward efficiency and effectiveness of operations; outstanding service to the university community and/or visitors; special efforts in promoting workforce diversity. Each award comes with a $1,000 cash prize.

Margie Arnett | Director, Center for Transformative Interprofessional Healthcare 
Danielle Pilar McNair | Academic Advisor, Graduate Program Coordinator, Department of Agricultural & Resource Economics
Kathleen "Kat" Francisco | Manager, Academic Affairs, Office of the Provost
Christina Renee Kalel | Assistant Director for Faculty Affairs, College of Medicine – Tucson
Dari Salvo | Senior Academic Advisor, Veterinary Science 
Liz Sandoval | Director, Curricular Affairs
Paul Valdez | Associate Director for Student Ventures, Tech Launch Arizona
Silvia Xu | Assistant Dean for Finance and Administration, College of Nursing
Hayri Yildirim | Director of Facilities Planning & Management, University Libraries