Meet the 2023 Student Employee of the Year Award winner

It takes commonly admired values to stand out; maturity, diligence, dedication and hard work. These qualities are difficult to find on their own, but when they’re combined in one of UNC Charlotte’s student workers, it deserves to be recognized.

Kearston “Page” Freeman, a senior graduating with a political science and history degree, is one of those exceptional students and the 2023 winner of the Student Employee of the Year award. She was recognized at the Student Employee of the Year breakfast Thursday, April 13. There are 3,594 student employees and 15 were nominated.

Freeman was initially nominated for her dedication, maturity and diligence toward all her roles at UNC Charlotte. Having started off as a venue management staff member in the Athletics Department in September 2020, she took on the role with excellence and quickly became both the event coordinator and student building manager. All of this was done in a time of pivotal transition with a turnover in full-time staff and relocation.

Jonathan Billings wrote about her work collaboration, job effort and setting an example when he nominated her.

“She set the tone for our student staff by being proactive and accepting of her new game day responsibilities at football,” said Billings. “Her ability to work on par with full-time staff allowed us to balance schedules and avoid burnout in the department.”

In addition to balancing her job and school, she leads as president of the UNC Charlotte Native American Student Association. She later became the student event coordinator, which allowed her to balance school work, her commitment to the UNC Charlotte Native American Student Association and her role with venue management.

All her roles showed how she prioritizes people, exemplifies customer service and builds relationships to foster a healthy environment.

“Page’s biggest strength is her ability to make connections and foster relationships with the people around her including full-time administration, fellow student staff, as well as guests of the facility,” said Billings. She is hands down one of the most genuine employees that I have had the privilege of supervising during my time here at UNC Charlotte.”

“All the nominees have impacted, not only the departments they work for, but the campus community,” said Teresa Shook, human resources specialist for student employment. “Their service is truly appreciated. These deserving nominees have staked their claim! Go Niners!”