Kathy Harbison, a financial associate in the Division of Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology, believes cleaning is a necessary evil.

The ownership and pride Environmental Services Specialist Wanda Perdue has in her work made her an ideal selection as September’s Employee of the Month.

“Wanda has ownership and pride in her work,” Harbison says. “Our floor is one of the cleanest floors of any building at UAB.”

Perdue consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic, a desire to help others and a positive attitude — traits her co-workers say make her an ideal selection as September’s Employee of the Month.

Perdue is responsible for cleaning the first floor of Shelby and has responsibilities on the eighth floor and in the basement. Perdue says she takes pride in every aspect of her job, but she does consider the first floor lobby one of her most important areas.

“It’s the first thing people see when they come in the building, and I want to have it clean before the first person walks through the doors,” Perdue says. “I want it sparkling. I want it so clean that when they walk in they can smell how clean it is.”

Perdue says her attitude comes from her upbringing. She says her family always believed that any task a person is given, they should do it with drive and joy.

“We were always raised that whatever you do, you do it to the best of your ability,” Perdue says. “Take pride in what you do.”

Randy Seay, program manager of Graduate Biomedical Sciences and the IBS Graduate Program, says Perdue has distinguished herself as a “superb leader” and UAB employee.  “Wanda’s competence, compassion and ethics as a UAB employee are exemplary,” Seay says.

“She goes beyond the call in each and every area of her life and duty, ensuring that all with whom she interacts are greeted with respect.”

Perdue’s co-workers appreciate her hard work, but they also say she has become a close friend. “She knows the names of everyone in our area and asks us about things that are going on in our lives,” says Jan Hitchcock, program manager in Immunology/Rheumatology. “We consider her to be a part of our group.”

Perdue says she feels fortunate to work with so many caring people in the Shelby Building. She says they are always courteous when they ask for her assistance and never hesitate to invite her in to their break room to eat lunch.

“It truly is like we’re all a family,” Perdue says. “My customers are like part of my family. I love them like they’re one of mine.”