Eileen Blatchley receives NWC’s first staff service award

As her fellow employees gave her a standing ovation, Associate Registrar Eileen (Berntson ’79) Blatchley walked to the stage of the annual employee Christmas party with an overwhelming sense of gratitude for being selected as the first staff member at Northwestern College to receive the Quality Service Award. Blatchley, quiet and unassuming, has worked at the college for almost 30 years.

The Quality Service Award, instituted in 2008, is the counterpart to the Faculty Outstanding Service Award that has existed for several years. This new award is a way for Northwestern employees to formally recognize staff members who contribute to the college community in an exceptional way. Blatchley was selected by a peer evaluation team and received a $1,000 cash award and a personalized plaque.

Registrar Andy Simpson felt strongly about nominating Blatchley for the award. "For the ten years we have worked together, she still continues to amaze me with her abilities," said Simpson. "Of all the staff I have worked with at Northwestern College and in my previous military career, Eileen is truly one of a few that I can fully depend on."

Blatchley’s primary job is to help students map out a plan to meet requirements for graduation and she also oversees the data entry of the student academic records. But it’s the daily contact with students that gives her the most satisfaction. She particularly enjoys the students who come into the registrar’s office on a regular basis. "Those who come in often really make it fun. The funny ones brighten the day."

Since her Northwestern graduation, Blatchley has worked with students in some capacity, starting with her first position as admissions office manager. She has interacted with thousands of students and thinks the outlook of Northwestern students is much the same now as it was when she began her career. From her point of view, the students continue to be "highly motivated and passionate about where God is leading."

Written by Colleen Bemis F’05, production manager in the Marketing & Communications office at Northwestern College.