Johnson named September’s Civil Service Employee of the Month

Story by Rylin Yerdon

Traci Johnson, a program assistant at the Wintrode Student Success and Opportunity Center, has been named South Dakota State University’s Civil Service Employee of the Month for September. 

She will be honored at a reception held from 2-3:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 23, in Wagner Hall 238. 

Johnson has worked at SDSU for 29 years. 

Linde Murray, director of tutoring and TRIO programs, said Johnson has a breadth of knowledge about a wide array of processes at SDSU and the Wintrode Center. She is detail-oriented, organized, eager to assist and takes pride in her high-quality work.  

Nicole Gertken, Academic Success and Recovery Program coordinator, said Johnson strives for excellence in her role. 

“Ms. Johnson considers ways she can make the workplace and processes more efficient. An example of this was when she intentionally organized and designed our workroom space after moving to a new building (last) summer. Traci has been a huge help in enhancing and streamlining our communication process used by the Academic Success and Recovery Program and partnering campus offices. She is willing to try new things and step outside her comfort zone,” Gertken said. 

Johnson’s contributions go far beyond her job duties, Murray said. 

“One of the areas that I see Traci excel in is with relationship building and how she cares for others. She is interested to know how people are doing and shares her own stories. She shows a great deal of care for students through her daily interactions. … There are a number of students who seek out Traci, regularly stop by the office to say hello to her and share updates about their lives,” Murray said. 

Jody Owen, senior director of the Wintrode Student Success and Opportunity Center, has served as Johnson’s supervisor for the past five years. 

“Ms. Johnson … is people-centered in everything she does, providing great care and support for students and her colleagues. She provides outstanding customer service to students, which is critical given the role of the student success center. She greets them warmly when they arrive, demonstrates interest in their lives in and outside of the classroom, and provides snacks for them when they visit the office,” Owen said. 

Johnson’s commitment to SDSU’s core values “has also prompted her to advocate for the development of resources that help faculty and staff serve students with varied needs and to ensure that those at a distance have access to our programs and services,” Owen added. 

Several of Johnson’s colleagues added that she is always willing to assist other staff in completing projects or answering questions, and her efforts, teamwork and problem-solving skills make the office run smoothly. 

Johnson and her husband, Mike, have two dogs, Augie and Izzie. She enjoys camping with friends, hiking, reading mysteries, listening to true crime podcasts and following SDSU teams, especially football and basketball. Johnson and her husband also love watching the Minnesota Vikings with renewed hope each season. 

“I am grateful to be a part of such an incredible team. The Wintrode Center is a special place to work. Our staff is truly invested in the students we serve and their success,” Johnson said. 

All SDSU Employee of the Month selections are determined through a nomination process by the Civil Service Advisory Council. Each civil service employee of the month receives an appreciation monetary gift from the F.O. Butler Foundation. The trustees of the foundation recognize the importance of civil service employees and take this opportunity to thank them for their exemplary service.