By JOYANNA LOVE/Senior Staff Writer

Amanda Grauel of Randolph has been named this year’s recipient of the Bill Fancher Staff Excellence Award by the University of Montevallo’s College of Education.

The award is based on students or faculty recommendation.

“I was surprised, honored and really humbled that people would think that much of me,” Grauel said.

She is in her third year as an administrative assistant for the Family and Consumer Sciences department.

According to a UM press release, a nominating student wrote, “I was walking around trying to find my classes and she came out into the hall and asked if she could assist me. She helped me find the classrooms, and her friendly manner helped ease my anxiety.”

Grauel said she enjoys “getting to know the students and helping them.”

“It’s a job where you are contributing to make a better future,” Grauel said.

She emphasized that graduates of the program often work in schools, government organizations, child advocacy roles and other careers that have an important positive impact on families.

“That is really the foundation of our society — family,” Grauel said.

Grauel said she had wanted to work in education in order to have a job where she can “improve the lives of others.”

She is a graduate of Maplesville High School and studied business administration at LeCroy Career Technical Center.