Sadie Mills, program coordinator for the University of Florida Thompson Earth Systems Institute, has received a 2023 Superior Accomplishment award from the University of Florida. In her role, Mills manages programs and projects that support TESI’s mission of educating Floridians about the state’s natural systems and the threats they face.   

The annual award recognizes staff and faculty members who contribute outstanding and meritorious service, efficiency and/or economy, or to the quality of life for students and employees. 

Mills won for the Division 3 level, which includes all schools, colleges, departments, and units under the Office of the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs.  

As one of its first employees, TESI director Bruce MacFadden says Mills has been instrumental in developing the Institute’s core team and key programs and initiatives. In 2021, Mills envisioned, helped secure funding, and piloted the inaugural UF TESI Environmental Leaders Fellowship, which offered UF undergraduates from a variety of majors the opportunity to gain experience in environmental research, education and outreach, and civic engagement. For the 2021-22 cohort, Mills lead the coordination of seminars featuring environmental experts, a mentoring program, and a multi-day field experience focused on environmental challenges across Florida.  

After the program ended, Mills worked to connect even more undergraduate students to environmental opportunities by launching the UF TESI Environmental Leaders Network, which connects UF undergraduates to environmentally focused seminars, volunteer opportunities, internships, and more.  The Network currently has more than 200 students representing 49 fields of study.  

MacFadden nominated Mills for her willingness to “assist beyond normal expectations,” while helping boost the morale of the team. In his letter, he praised her work mentoring students in TESI’s Environmental Communicators Internship, growing the Institute’s most successful social media campaign, Know Your Florida, and providing evaluation expertise to help measure the impacts of TESI programs, all while ensuring everyone on the team has what they need to keep the Institute moving forward.  

“It’s an honor to be recognized, and I’m grateful for the support and collaboration of colleagues within TESI and across campus who I’ve worked with on these initiatives,” Mills said. 

In a letter of recommendation, Amy Hester, volunteer coordinator at the Florida Museum of Natural History where TESI is housed, said Mills’ determination to keep learning is valued by many departments. 

“I believe Sadie’s ability to assess situations, create solutions, and her continuous drive to increase her already vast skill set make her invaluable for the museum and a fantastic candidate for UF’s Superior Accomplishment Award,” Hester wrote. 

Mills was honored by the university at a ceremony on March 9. As a Division 3 award winner, she will be considered for a university wide Superior Accomplishment Award. These winners will be announced at a ceremony on April 20. 

For more information on the Superior Accomplishment Award, visit learn-and-grow.hr.ufl.edu/awards-recognition/superior-accomplishment-awards.