Josephine Benavidez received the 2011 UCCS Outstanding Staff Award for her work as director of the Pre-Collegiate Development Program.
The award is given to acknowledge outstanding achievements and contributions of a UCCS staff member who exemplifies excellence in service to the campus and community.
“Josephine has changed more lives than most people do in a lifetime,” said Barbara Gaddis, executive director, First Year Experience and Student Retention. “She has been a lifeline for first generation students, providing them with the information they need to transition to college.”
Miss B, as she is known by many of her students who have trouble pronouncing her name, was honored to be singled out for her contributions to UCCS.
“I was overwhelmed, surprised and honored beyond words,” Benavidez said. “What I do here isn’t a job, it’s my life work. My passion.”
Benavidez first came to UCCS in 1993 as a Master’s student in Communication, however, after instructing classes for PCDP in the summer of 1997 she was asked to step in as interim director. Since her arrival the program has grown from 75 students to 699 first generation students enrolled.
Of the students enrolled in PCDP, 96 percent enroll in a four-year university.
Benavidez said that this success would not be possible without the support of the UCCS community and leadership.
“It’s not just me, it’s the support of this campus,” Benavidez said. “UCCS embraces our mission and goals, which is evident by all we offer on campus.”
PCDP is a system-wide, institutionally funded academic program for first generation middle and high school students. The program is designed to motivate and prepare students in pursuit of their higher educational goals.
PCDP is structured to ensure that students are academically prepared to enroll and be successful at UCCS, CU or any other postsecondary institution of the students’ choice.
Benavidez said that while she leads by example and acts as a councilor, she is constantly learning and growing from the experience.
“I always have to be on my toes,” Benavidez said. “We’re constantly having to be innovative to meet the demands of our academically motivated students.”
Chancellor Pam Shockley-Zalabak will present Benavidez with the award, as well as a $1,000 prize, at the Campus Awards Ceremony on May 3.
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