Candidates for the College of Engineering and Computing (CEC) Outstanding Staff Award are selected for the overall impact on, and contributions to, CEC and Miami. Laurie Edwards is the chosen winner for 2021.

Edwards is a Master Administrative Assistant at Miami, a position she has held since she was hired 21 years ago. 

Laurie has been around for the continuous evolution of the Chemical, Paper, and Biomedical Engineering department (CPB) as it changed from an exclusive focus on paper engineering, to a more broad focus on paper, chemical, and biomedical engineering.

Helping wherever needed, it’s no surprise that Edwards was named as being an outstanding staff member. Not only does she handle the professional side of things, she also makes sure to be there for those that come into the CPB office. 

“I keep boxes of tissues for those emotional moments for faculty, staff, and students,” Laurie said. Those around her call her their Miami mom.

This name is true for her in more ways than one. Although Edwards spent her undergrad with the equestrian team at Ohio State University , she has found herself surrounded by Redhawks.

Before coming to work with Miami, Laurie worked as a software evaluator for a company in Milford, Ohio. The company had been bought out and was transferring out of state. Not wanting to move, Laurie and her family moved to Oxford, where Laurie found herself applying to work at Miami.

Laurie has four children, her husband, and even her mother have become alumni of or are currently attending Miami. Her husband was even a graduate of Mechanical Engineering. 

“Miami provides a great value for the students as they go forward in their life. What Miami brings when you're looking for a job is really important,” Edwards said.

The school is full of staff members who do exceptional jobs. When talking about this award, Laurie said she felt very humbled to be chosen out of everyone.

By Kayleigh Schauseil, CEC Reporter