Michelle Shenberger

In June 1998, Michelle Shenberger, M.Ed., research coordinator II in the division of alcohol and drug addiction, transferred to this campus from The University of Texas Houston Health Science Center with a group of addiction researchers led by Dr. Bankole A. Johnson.

Dr. Johnson, Wurzbach Distinguished Professor, deputy chairman for research in the department of psychiatry and chief of the division of alcohol and drug addiction, nominated Shenberger, who is administrative head of the division, for the Employee Excellence in Service Award.

Dr. Johnson offered numerous examples of why Shenberger is an outstanding employee: she efficiently coordinated an increase in annual grant funding from $300,000 to more than $4 million over a two-year period, she effectively organized growth of staff from five members to about 40 within two years, and she devised streamlined National Institutes of Health grant proposal preparation procedures, improving efficiency by more than 500 percent.

Dr. Johnson said Shenberger’s exemplary and professional leadership has resulted in outstanding administrative reviews from site visitors on NIH grants. She devised new and efficient procedures for cash reimbursements for research subjects while maintaining confidentiality. In addition, her mentorship of junior administrative staff in time management has reduced overtime need by more than 20 percent.

"Michelle serves as a role model of professionalism, work ethic and etiquette for other administrative staff. She has saved the university about $250,000 in recovered funds over two academic years. She has exhibited great flexibility and a commitment to going over and beyond the call of duty in meeting the mission of the Health Science Center," Dr. Johnson said.

Shenberger said when her group moved to San Antonio, the goal was to build a center of excellence in addiction research at the Health Science Center.

"Our division has experienced phenomenal growth over the past two years and has received tremendous support from the department of psychiatry and the Health Science Center administration," Shenberger explained.

"It is an honor to be recognized for my contributions to the alcohol and drug addiction division and to the Health Science Center. My accomplishments are possible because of the mentoring of Dr. Bankole Johnson and the collaborative efforts of my coworkers. Our entire division, therefore, shares in this honor," she said.