Christa Smith, executive assistant for the Division of Plant Sciences, received the Frederick B. Mumford Award for Outstanding Staff at CAFNR’s 2019 Celebration of Excellence awards ceremony Thursday, April 11.

Smith has served as executive assistant in plant sciences since 2008. She supports the division in numerous ways, including supporting undergraduate and graduate programs. Smith helps advance the Division of Plant Sciences’ impact and visibility. She has established and maintained strong administrative networks vital for the division.

“Upon arrival at DPS, Christa immediately contributed to improvements in the efficiency and effectiveness of a number of operations critical to division success,” said Jim English, director, Division of Plant Sciences. “On the basis of her skills, initiative and energy, Christa’s assigned responsibilities have increased dramatically over time. Current examples include providing administrative support for both undergraduate and graduate programs, supporting division director activities, serving as a liaison to external collaborators and other CAFNR division administrative staff, assisting development and maintenance of DPS archival information, oversight and management of division equipment and other inventories, and assisting on ad hoc projects.”