Awards and Promotions - 2005

Mildred Pendergrass Award
for Outstanding Service

(Pictured at Left: Buddy Mitchell, Tom Zagaya, Nancy Zagaya, Betty Eliassen, Jack Eliassen, Dr. Blackwell)

Award Description

This award, presented in memory of Mildred Pendergrass, wife of the former Vice President for Agriculture, Webster Pendergrass, is given to employees among the technical, skill and service staff in the Institute. Presented by Mrs. Betty Eliassen, the daughter of the late Dr. and Mrs. Webster Pendergrass.

Citation

Our 2005 award winner Nancy Zagaya began her career at the UT College of Veterinary Medicine in 1982 as a surgical technician in the small animal clinic. Over the years she has developed her skills in intensive care, anesthesia, neurology, ophthalmology, and now her area of expertise – avian and zoological medicine. She has an extensive background in wildlife rehabilitation, and is one of the founding members of the East Tennessee Wildlife Rehabilitation Council.

The people she works with daily at the Vet school nominated her for her incredible technical skills, and commitment to education and clinical service. She is known for her dependability, work ethic and team spirit. In addition to her work here, our recipient has also done volunteer work for the Boys and Girls Club, the Girl Scouts, 4-H and the YMCA.