Showcasing TTUHSC’s Values-Based Culture

• By Clara McKenney
• January 29, 2021
• Campus Life

Connected by our shared vision and values, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) team members, students, alumni and friends champion our mission throughout our communities, state and nation. Five core values—One Team, Kindhearted, Integrity, Visionary, and Beyond Service—are integral to our purpose and drive our daily actions.

ACE cards–short for Acknowledging and Celebrating Excellence Cards–are sent from one team member to another to individually recognize and compliment a job well done. Our faculty and staff work tirelessly on a daily basis to uphold our values, and we commend each unique celebration of our team members’ efforts.

Below are some of the individuals who have been recognized by others within the TTUHSC community for upholding the university’s values-based culture while shaping the future of health care for our institution.

Chephra McKee
Tirelessly demonstrating a collaborative spirit

Amie Blaszczyk, Pharm.D., of the Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy (SOP) on the Dallas campus, complimented the unwavering team spirit exhibited by SOP colleague Chephra McKee, Pharm.D., at the Abilene campus.

“Your One Team spirit showed up over and over,” said Blaszczyk, noting how McKee went the extra mile to lead difficult courses, accommodate students and deliver positive experiences throughout a difficult semester.

“Whether it was team-leading the beast of a course, taking an extra student each block to make sure our students got an excellent pediatrics experience or showing up and giving it your best to your team at Hendrick as our sole pediatrics faculty–you were the embodiment of One Team.”
 
Sara Henly 
Bringing innovative initiatives to fruition 

Erin Justyna, Ph.D., assistant provost for Student Affairs, recognized Sara Henly, of the Veterans Resource Center, for her continued efforts to serve the veteran and military-affiliated student population.

“Through the development of programs such as Heroes to Healthcare (career services), Vet-to-Vet Mentorship, and VetConnect (highlighting community resources in all the communities in which our students live), you live the values of Visionary and Beyond Service,” said Justyna in her ACE card.

As a veteran herself, Henly is uniquely able to shape and steer these efforts.

“Thank you, Sara, for your service to our country and to TTUHSC students.” 
 

Heather Griffin
Going the extra mile to support the team

Cade Korchenko of the School of Nursing acknowledged the dedicated “One Team” attitude put forward by fellow team member Heather Griffin, and thanked her for selflessly taking on additional work while he was out of the office on paternity leave.  

“I was anticipating a heavy workload upon my return but you had me completely covered,” said Korchenko. “The applications were ready to be sent for faculty review by the end of my first day back at work!” 

Korchenko went on to recognize how “refreshing” it is to be part of a team that steps up to help one another. Acknowledging the values demonstrated by Griffin and their colleagues, Korchenko concluded, “in graduate admissions, we truly are one team!” 

 

If each of us felt our well-executed tasks were noticed and appreciated, it would inspire a better environment for all. Amid the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to forget the little ways that we collaborate as one team, but one way to live up to our values is through gratitude and recognition. Amongst other methods, the TTUHSC team celebrates these individual achievements with an ACE card.