Dody Huuki, principal secretary in Counseling and Consultation Services at Northern Michigan University, is one of nine 2021 NMU Excellence in Service Award recipients. She was nominated for her unwavering commitment to serving students with warmth and compassion when they summon the courage to call or stop by seeking services.
Huuki is the first person students interact with and makes them feel welcome and "in the right place." She is also credited for her skills in handling situations that require the utmost confidentiality and professionalism, as well as her instrumental role in providing services remotely during the pandemic.
"This was an extensive and time-intensive process that included creating a model of treatment that did not exist at NMU," stated her award description. "Dody was tasked with reformatting all counseling forms and surveys into a web-based design. She worked extensively with NMU's technical support to design the new forms within the electronic medical record. Carrying out these tasks, especially under such high-stress circumstances, illustrated her strong determination, work ethic and rigor."
Huuki has 40 years of experience as an administrative assistant, according to her online bio. She joined Northern's staff in February 2009 and worked in various settings until she became principal secretary in Counseling and Consultation Services in July 2015. She is scheduled to retire June 30.
Prior to residing in Marquette, Huuki lived in Texas, North Dakota, Belgium and New Mexico. She is married to an Air Force veteran and has three daughters, all of whom are Northern alumni.