The West Virginia Health Sciences Center has announced its first Employee of the Month recipients, recognizing employees who exemplify the Operation Blue Sky values of psychological safety, curiosity, and fun through exceptional support of students and contributions to a positive learning environment.
October: Sydney Wiley
Sydney Wiley, a professor in the WVU School of Nursing, was named the October Employee of the Month.
Wiley was recognized for creating a welcoming and supportive environment for students. She encourages students to build confidence, provides meaningful support and mentorship, promotes community involvement and service opportunities, and helps students approach challenges with optimism and creative problem-solving.
Wiley also brings positivity, encouragement, and enthusiasm to the learning environment while providing ongoing support to help students navigate the challenges of nursing education.
"I am honored to receive this and am so grateful to have a job that I love and can make a difference in," Wiley said. "I feel like the lucky one as I watch my students gain confidence in their skills, and getting to be a part of that is the best feeling. This recognition is a direct reflection of working in the WVU School of Nursing, where I feel supported and inspired daily. Thank you all for making doing what I love so easy.”
November: Steve Davis
Steve Davis, Ph.D., a professor in the WVU School of Public Health, was named the November Employee of the Month.
Davis was recognized for promoting ethical research practices, encouraging respectful discussion and creating a safe learning environment for students.
He inspires students to explore the institutional review board process and the broader research community while encouraging critical thinking and engagement with research-related topics. Davis also uses humor and engaging commentary to connect with students and create an enjoyable, interactive classroom experience.
"As a lifelong West Virginian, it has been the honor and privilege of a lifetime to teach students from across the schools of the WVU Health Sciences Center over the past two decades," Davis said. "Students are why I am here, and as much as I enjoy teaching them, I remain equally excited by what they can teach me. I am deeply grateful to WVU Health Sciences and to the many schools, departments, faculty, and students who have given me the opportunity to pursue this passion and contribute to the education of the next generation of health professionals."
December: Stephanie DeBastiani
Stephanie DeBastiani, executive administrator in the WVU Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry, was named the December Employee of the Month.
DeBastiani was recognized for creating a supportive and trusting environment for employees and consistently ensuring staff feel safe, valued and supported in both professional and personal situations.
She demonstrates approachable and compassionate leadership, willingly assists with needs across the department, including those outside her primary responsibilities, and demonstrates flexibility and collaboration. Her positive and encouraging approach helps create a workplace where employees feel welcome, relaxed and supported.
"I am truly honored to be selected as Employee of the Month and grateful to be part of such an incredible department," DeBasanti said. "I genuinely love what I do, and it is a privilege to work alongside such an amazing group of people who make coming to work each day so rewarding."
The Employee of the Month program highlights Health Sciences Center employees who demonstrate the Operation Blue Sky values in their work and interactions with students, colleagues and the broader Health Sciences community.
