Two Facilities Services employees, Tom Bythell and Carol Womack, have been selected to receive the 2020 C. Knox Massey Distinguished Service Award, one of the most prestigious distinctions for faculty and staff.
The award, established in 1980 by the late C. Knox Massey ’59 of Durham, recognizes “unusual, meritorious or superior contributions” by University employees.
“Carolina is distinguished in the ways our teaching, research and service efforts benefit the people of our state,” Chancellor Kevin M. Guskiewicz said. “This work is made possible by the contributions of our extraordinary colleagues, who are the recipients of this year’s Massey Awards. I am grateful for their service and their dedication to our community.”
Selected through a campuswide nomination process, Massey Award recipients receive a $10,000 stipend and an award citation.
Tom Bythell, University Forest Manager
Tom Bythell, arborist and University forest manager for 22 years, has championed the trees that contribute to Carolina’s heritage of beauty and dignity. His responsibilities include the landscapes on north and south campus, the ashes garden and display areas and the forest and trails in Carolina North. Though trees are his first love, he also serves as grounds liaison to capital projects and oversees pest management, grounds recycling, irrigation tracking, water conservation and snow removal. Bythell created the Tree Fund, using construction-impact fees to replace shade trees, and started the Tree Cycle Program to repurpose downed limbs and trees, including pens made on campus from the Davie Poplar.
Carol Womack, Housekeeper
For more than 14 years and with professionalism, respect, dedication and excellence, Carol Womack has ensured that learning takes place in an atmosphere of cleanliness and order. More than a housekeeper, she is keeper of 18 houses of learning — classrooms and laboratories as varied as the Hanes Art Center and the Love House and Hutchins Forum. Womack’s workload includes high-traffic, high-volume spaces filled with students, faculty and administrators, and a building that houses confidential information and must be cleaned while staff are present. Her knowledge of housekeeping functions and standards, her attention to detail and her strict adherence to regulations and procedures make her a role model for others.