Jennifer Lindsey receives Staff Career Achievement Award

Jennifer Lindsey, a retired administrative dietitian with Dining Services has received the university’s 2017 Staff Career Achievement Award.

Lindsey retired from the university in 2016 after 30 years of service.

Created in 2011 to recognize retiring staff members, the Staff Career Achievement Award is presented annually to as many as five individuals who have distinguished themselves through exemplary performance and service during their university careers. Nominees must have worked a minimum of 10 years at Virginia Tech. Each recipient is awarded a $1,000 cash prize.

As the administrative dietitian for Dining Services, Lindsey developed the nutritional standards for all the menus in the 13 dining centers at Virginia Tech. She worked with the executive chefs to develop recipes and managed a comprehensive computer-based food system that determined the forecasting of food types and quantities.

Lindsey worked with students and parents directly to discuss nutrition information for their unique situations, such as food allergies and special diets, religious allowances and restrictions, and weight management and eating disorders. Her work also spanned into nutritional programing and dietary planning in special events, housing and residence life, fraternity and sorority life, student conduct, and business services.

“There are a few staff people on campus whose work directly impacts tens of thousands of students on a daily basis. Jenny's dedication and attention to detail, quick response to problems, and planning for future needs, ensured that all the managers and employees had the food on hand, delivered just as it was needed, so that menus could be prepared for each meal, every day,” wrote Frank Shushok, senior associate vice president for student affairs, in a letter of nomination.

Lindsey worked with departmental staff to accommodate emergencies related to utility outages and weather to ensure students are fed no matter the conditions. She trained members of the staff thoroughly to prevent foodborne illness and maintain sanitation. Lindsey utilized her disciplined and caring attitude to provide decades of efficient and necessary service that supported the health and well-being of so many.