Dr. Zornista “Zorrie” Georgieva ‘06, Director of Research and Analysis at the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, is the first recipient of the governor’s “Shining Star Award.” This award was established to recognize outstanding employees with less than 20 years of service.
Dr. Sarah Tucker, Chancellor of the HEPC, received an email from the Governor’s office asking for nominations, so she met with senior staff and Zorrie was the immediate choice.
“I find Zorrie to be one of the most competent and delightful human beings I have ever met in my entire life. She is incredibly smart, she is incredibly intuitive, she thinks through problems, she has great attention to detail, and she does it all while being professional. She’s just a very nice person, easy to work with, easy to get along with, and she knows what she’s doing.”
Chancellor Dr. Sarah Tucker
Within the Research and Analysis department, Zorrie and her colleagues collect data from all institutions, looking at things like retention and graduation rates, which institutions are being successful and which ones need assistance. Dr. Tucker said for the past few years, Zorrie spent most of her time creating the higher education funding formula that was passed by legislators during the last session.
“She is the brains behind how the funding formula works and what that will look like for the institutions going forward,” said Tucker.
Zorrie was traveling to one of the state’s college campuses during the ceremony so she was unable to receive her award in person. However, she said the nomination really means the world to her.
“I couldn’t do this work without the support of the other staff at the Research and Analysis division and staff at the HEPC. I feel very fortunate and privileged to be part of such a great team. I am honored to receive this award and for being recognized for my contribution to the higher education work that the HEPC does,”
Dr. Zorrie Georgieva
Zorrie came to Concord in 2002 from Bulgaria. She received her bachelor’s degree in business in 2006 and then worked as a staff member in the Student Support Services office and Academic Success Center. She continued her education at Radford University and WVU, but Zorrie feels that Concord is where her passion for working with students and higher education began.
“There are so many people that have played an integral part of who I am and where I am today. I would like to say a big ‘Thank You’ to all the faculty and staff at Concord where my journey began for all the support and the opportunities that I have been given. I would like to thank those who have mentored me throughout the years and whose passion for students and higher education really put me on the path of a career in higher education. Finally, I would like to thank everyone at HEPC for their great work and giving me the opportunity to be part of a wonderful team.”
Dr. Zorrie Georgieva