The Center for Social Science Scholarship (CS3) is proud to share that Amy Barnes, Program Coordinator for CS3, has been selected to receive the 2025 UMBC Presidential Distinguished Staff Award. She will be recognized at the UMBC Presidential Faculty and Staff Awards Ceremony on April 30, 2025.

Amy has been an invaluable member of the UMBC community since 2017. For more than 5 years, she has served as Program Coordinator for CS3 — first under the leadership of Dr. Christine Mallinson and Dr. Felipe Filomeno, and more recently under the leadership of Dr. Eric Stokan.

In her role, Amy consistently goes above and beyond to support the Center’s mission and operations. She manages financial and budgetary processes, coordinates logistics for CS3’s many programs and events, and serves as a vital liaison with departments and partners across campus, particularly in organizing the Social Sciences Forum. Beyond these responsibilities, Amy has been a trusted advisor and thought partner — especially during periods of transition and challenge, including the Center’s navigation of broader societal shifts and staffing changes.

Anyone who has worked with Amy knows her to be an extraordinary colleague and a true asset to UMBC. In fact, her award nomination was supported by nearly 20 faculty and staff from the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHSS) and units across the university — all attesting to her professionalism, dedication, thoughtfulness, and collaborative spirit. Many also emphasized what we at CS3 know well: that Amy is not only an exceptional employee but also a truly remarkable person.

The Center for Social Science Scholarship is unquestionably stronger because of Amy’s steadfast commitment, tireless efforts, and unwavering care for the UMBC community. Please join us in congratulating Amy on this well-deserved honor!