(From left) Monica Taylor and M. Daniel Givens posing for Taylor's Staff Member of the Month photo
(From left) Monica Taylor, Program Support Specialist for Research and Graduate Studies, receiving the April 2026 Staff Member of the Month award from Dean M. Dan Givens. Photo by Madison Brown for Virginia Tech.

Monica Taylor

Program Support Specialist, Research and Graduate Studies 

Nominations

I am pleased to nominate Monica C. Taylor, Executive Assistant for Veterinary Medicine Research and Graduate Studies (RGS), for recognition under the category of Exemplary Ongoing Job Performance. Monica is an indispensable member of the RGS team whose steady professionalism, adaptability, and commitment to excellence consistently elevate the effectiveness of our office.

Monica’s reliability and dedication are evident in every aspect of her work. She routinely manages her core administrative responsibilities with precision and timeliness while simultaneously stepping forward to assume additional duties when operational needs arise. Over the past year, she has expanded her role to include substantial support for the Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences (BMVS) graduate program as well as assistance with fiscal and budget-related items—responsibilities that require discretion, accuracy, and strong organizational skills. She has accepted these added expectations without hesitation and has executed them with a level of competence and dependability that has ensured continuity and stability within the unit.

Beyond her technical effectiveness, Monica brings an interpersonal presence that positively shapes the culture of the office. She is consistently gentle, courteous, and approachable with faculty, staff, and students alike. Her calm demeanor and willingness to help foster trust and collaboration across diverse groups, often diffusing stressful situations and enabling productive progress. Importantly, her pleasant disposition never comes at the expense of productivity—she ensures that essential tasks are completed thoroughly and on time, regardless of competing demands or shifting priorities.

In an environment where administrative precision, confidentiality, and responsiveness are critical to institutional success, Monica exemplifies the highest standards of ongoing job performance. Her sustained contributions, quiet leadership through action, and unwavering commitment to getting the work done have made a meaningful and lasting impact on Research and Graduate Studies. She is exceptionally deserving of this recognition.