The academic services specialist is recognized for her support of faculty and helping to streamline processes in the Department of Organizational Systems and Adult Health.
Katelyn “Katie” Folberth, MEd, academic services specialist, Department of Organizational Systems and Adult Health, University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON), has felt drawn to supporting nurses and nursing students during her higher education career. Her mother and several other family members are nurses, and she recently discovered that her ancestors had owned the land on Lombard Street that the UMSON building now sits on.
“When I found that out, I felt even more connected to the School of Nursing,” she said. “I have so much respect for nurses. I don’t know any other field where everyone is so friendly and compassionate as nursing.”
Folberth was surprised April 14 during a videoconference with the news that she was the University of Maryland, Baltimore’s (UMB) April Employee of the Month for her work, which includes supporting about 60 faculty members in her department. UMB President Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS, who was joined by several UMSON colleagues, said, “You had wonderful evaluations for this award, and I’m so proud of the work that you’ve done.”
Folberth works with UMSON faculty on their requests to attend conferences and expense reports for travel as well as the budget and ordering for the department. She also coordinates student applicant interviews for faculty.
“You’ve been instrumental in helping faculty coordinate the very busy interviewing schedule they have to meet their benchmarks for enrollment, which is critical. And that was always a challenge in the past, but since you’ve been on that task, it’s gone smoothly,” said Elizabeth “Beth” Galik, PhD, CRNP, FAAN, FAANP, professor and chair of the department. “Additionally, you’re our ray of sunshine. When we have holidays, you get us in the holiday spirit. You’re inclusive. The faculty love working with you.”
Ameera Chakravarthy, PhD, RN, ACNP-BC, FNP-BC, assistant professor and director, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner/Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist specialty, praised Folberth for her support of faculty.
“Katelyn has provided invaluable support with conference travel needs, demonstrating exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail,” Chakravarthy said in nominating Folberth for the award. “She responds immediately to requests and shows remarkable flexibility in scheduling time to connect with faculty to address challenges, ensuring that issues are resolved quickly and effectively. This level of responsiveness and adaptability has strengthened faculty confidence and streamlined processes within the department.”
Wendy Bridges, business operations director and Folberth’s supervisor, praised her for handling stressful situations with kindness.
“When you help people with Concur [UMB’s travel booking application], they say you’re always nice, and you handle their stress well,” she said.
Chakravarthy said Folberth has taken on numerous responsibilities that extend beyond her core duties.
“She has proctored exams with precision and professionalism, ensuring a smooth and fair testing experience for students,” she said. “She has also been proactive in setting up examination rooms, paying attention to every detail to create an organized and stress-free environment.”
Folberth says she loves working with students and seeing them succeed.
“Especially in the field of nursing, it’s so important to make sure that the nurses know their stuff, so I look forward to helping with exams because I like to know that I’m helping to create better nursing students,” she said.
She also serves on UMSON’s Student Engagement Committee, which works to improve student success at the school.
Chakravarthy praised Folberth’s positive, “can-do” attitude.
“She has brought a refreshing energy to the team and has been instrumental in fostering a collaborative and supportive environment,” Chakravarthy said. “She approaches every challenge with optimism and determination, which has made a significant impact on both staff morale and student success.”
Folberth said the people are the best part of her job.
“When I’m at work, I’m around people who are very compassionate and very professional. They love the field of nursing and love seeing students succeed,” she said. “I went into higher education because I enjoy watching students succeed. I like the process of watching students come in fresh and then, when they leave, they have all the experience.”
Folberth said she appreciates how strong the UMB community is.
“I love working here,” she said. “I feel like anybody could succeed here, and everyone is welcomed. At the University of Maryland, Baltimore, there’s a sense of community.”
Folberth, who will receive a certificate and $250 in her paycheck for being selected Employee of the Month, said she was honored and surprised to receive the award in her first two years working at UMB.
She thanked Galik, Bridges, and Chakravarthy for their support.
“They say when you’re around the right people, the best part of you comes out, so I know I’m around the right people,” Folberth said.