Annepha Hurlock-Blake, Computer Science department coordinator, is one of the winners of the 2019 Hardy M. Bourland Award for Distinguished Service award. The award is granted annually to two staff members in the George R. Brown School of Engineering at Rice University.
Hurlock-Blake has been working at Rice University since 2002. She started as a temporary faculty assistance at the Jones Graduate School of Business. The following year she became a faculty assistant. Four years ago, Hurlock-Blake joined the CS department as the administrative coordinator to then chair Vivek Sarkar.
“Annepha is the one who represents our department to the public, all faculty candidates, all visitors, faculty, staff and students,” said Karen Lavelle, senior CS department administrator.
“Every person she encounters is handled with courtesy, kindness, and professionalism. I have seen her go out of her way to help faculty, staff, students and especially our faculty candidates. I have been at faculty candidate receptions and heard the candidates thanking her for all her help that she had given them. I have only heard praise from those who talk about her work ethic,” Lavelle said.
Most of the work Hurlock-Blake does includes providing support to faculty. She coordinates department activities and she manages all events. Hurlock-Blake said the award was a surprise.
“When I was notified that I won the Hardy M. Bourland Award for Distinguished Service I was in complete shock. I was definitely not expecting any of this,” she said.
“I absolutely enjoy what I do and don’t expect a pat on the back but it’s nice to be acknowledge for the work you do. I’m humbled that others think that I’m worthy of this award. This has truly put a smile on my heart. I’m grateful to work with such an amazing group of people. A big thank you to my CS family,” Hurlock-Blake said.
The award is named for Hardy M. Bourland, who served as associate dean of engineering from 1975 until his retirement in 2000. Since 2001, the award has gone to a member of the School of Engineering staff whose contributions significantly improve his or her department, the school of engineering or the University as a whole.
Cintia Listenbee, Communications and Marketing Specialist in Computer Science