At Widener University, two employees who have spent a combined three decades quietly making the institution stronger were recognized this year with the university’s highest honor for staff excellence.
Erica Austin and Lt. Vontel Green are the 2026 recipients of the university’s William David Eckard Jr. Award for Distinguished Service.
Austin, of Wilmington, Delaware, is the executive director for University Safety Systems. Green, of Chester, is a campus safety officer. Widener University President Stacey Robertson presented the awards to the two recipients.
The Eckard Award was established by William David Eckard III, longtime vice president of administration and finance at Widener University and a 1966 graduate of Pennsylvania Military College.
He and his family created the award in memory of his father to help promote and reward excellence at Widener. The honor is given to two employees who have worked for Widener on a full-time basis for at least 10 years and who have consistently demonstrated an outstanding level of service.
Austin joined the Widener community in 2003. Throughout her career at Widener, she has earned a reputation as a campus leader and trusted problem-solver who can make sense of complex systems and data.
She is someone who moves important initiatives forward. Her work touches nearly every corner of the university, and she is dependable, generous with her time, and respected for her quiet strength.
“In every setting, Erica brings an exceptional combination of intelligence, precision, and calm, steady judgment,” Robertson said. “She is a treasured colleague whose contributions have made Widener stronger in countless ways.”
Green began with the Office of Campus Safety in 2011 and has progressed through the ranks of officer, corporal, and sergeant to reach lieutenant.
Her deep knowledge of the campus, combined with her approachable and positive nature, makes her an invaluable leader and positive presence in the Widener community.
Beyond her day-to-day duties, Green goes above and beyond to lift team morale. She transforms the dispatch office for holidays year-round, celebrates staff birthdays and anniversaries, and contributes to Widener’s true sense of belonging through her many thoughtful gestures.
“She exemplifies our commitment to customer service and our mission to care for everyone we serve,” Robertson said. “Most importantly, Vontel continually expresses how meaningful it is to engage with students, especially during Campus Safety tabling events. She sees every interaction as an opportunity to build trust, share knowledge, and support student well‑being.”
Widener University is a private institution where core values of respect, integrity, and excellence are reflected in an outstanding student experience provided through an agile, innovative, and inclusive approach to learning.
Industry-shaping faculty provide close, personal mentorship and share powerful connections that help students build professional networks.
Recognized as one of the Philadelphia region’s leading universities, Widener offers programs and experiences that empower our community of learners to discover and create better futures as scholars, leaders, and globally engaged citizens.
