The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) annually presents the Director’s Excellence Award to individuals who embody the agency’s mission. Each year, TVMDL employees nominate peers they believe exemplify excellence through testing services, quality assurance, technological advances, and overall dedication to TVMDL.
TVMDL is pleased to announce Preston Harrell as a 2020 recipient of the Director’s Excellence Award in the administrative category.
Harrell joined the laboratory in 2019 as a client service associate. Within a short time, he developed a positive reputation amongst clients and his coworkers. Harrell is commended for his positive attitude, initiative, and willingness to assist with a multitude of tasks.
In addition to his work ethic, Harrell is noted for his commitment to professional development. For example, Harrell completed a voluntary grief training to better assist necropsy clients. Although this was not part of his position, Harrell sought out the opportunity knowing it would benefit his section and TVMDL’s clients.
Most recently, Harrell was promoted to laboratory supervisor for the specimen receiving section. Since assuming this role, Harrell has already implemented several positive changes to enhance workflow and efficiency and strengthened the agency’s relationships with clients through his dedication to superior service.
Among his accomplishments, Harrell is praised for his assistance throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The pandemic created the need for skeleton staffing and creative solutions to handling client interactions,” Holley Ernst, diagnostic services assistant section head, said. “Despite being critically short-staffed, Preston remained positive, energetic, and helpful. His willingness to alternate work schedules and take on additional call volume was a great support during this trying time.”
Please join TVMDL in congratulating this year’s Director’s Excellence Award recipients.