Mike Nauta, IT Security Analyst for MSU IT Information Security, was named the 2021 MSU IT Outstanding Service Award recipient during the June 9 presentation of the Excellence in IT Awards. MSU IT leadership presented six Excellence in IT Awards, recognizing the extraordinary efforts of its staff to advance student, faculty, and staff success. Awards were presented to MSU IT staff in the areas of student and staff success and the categories of Innovation, Virtual Champion, Outstanding Service, and Most Valuable Teammate.
Mike fosters cultural development through transparency and communication on changes in his role with MSU IT Information Security. He promotes trust and allows the growth of other staff members. He said his personal philosophy includes being open, honest, and inclusive. It also includes injecting calmness and humor whenever possible and appropriate.
That philosophy may be why his nomination stated, “Mike is an asset to MSU IT. His demeanor and approach is extremely professional, collaborative, and ‘awesome.'”
“It’s very humbling,” Mike said of receiving the Outstanding Service Award. “Throughout my IT career, I’ve always been customer service-focused … treat people how I would like to be treated. To be recognized for this behavior truly means a lot to me.”
Mike has been recognized, in part, for his ability to deliver an Outstanding Spartan Experience in all interactions.
“An outstanding Spartan Experience to me means utilizing my professional and technical skills to help people overcome problems,” Mike said. “Whether it be offering directions to new Spartan parents looking for a particular campus location or assisting a unit with a technical problem. Just be there for each other. Lend an ear; lend a hand. If you don’t know the answer, find someone that does.”
The Outstanding Service Award is granted to an MSU IT employee committed to providing our campus partners and/or customers with an Outstanding Spartan Experience in every interaction. They contribute to MSU IT or the University, resulting in more efficiency, better service, cost savings, or successful crisis management. The award recipient has provided a significant contribution to MSU IT or an MSU department project.
