Victor DiRita honored with Outstanding Supervisor Award
Victor DiRita, the Rudolph Hugh Endowed Chair and Chair of the Department of Microbiology, Genetics, & Immunology, has been honored as one of the winners of the 2024 Outstanding Supervisor Award from the MSU office of University Health and Wellbeing. The award recognizes MSU supervisors who have consistently demonstrated admirable work-life balance and an exceptional ability to support the professional and personal needs of their team members.
DiRita’s leadership style exemplifies the award’s ideals. Since assuming his role as chair in 2015, he has been a steadfast advocate for MGI, offering support, guidance, and understanding to create an environment where both professional aspirations and personal well-being are prioritized. His colleagues and team members have praised his ability to listen, problem-solve, and lead with empathy.
“Numerous examples illustrate how Dr. DiRita treats others with tact, dignity, respect, and compassion,” said MGI Professor Chris Waters, one of DiRita’s nominators. “He has an open-door policy that welcomes everyone, making all faculty, staff, postdocs, and students feel they are equally important. The departmental staff are included as equal partners, expressing that they feel listened to and that their opinions are taken seriously. Faculty members echo these comments as Dr. DiRita always makes time to meet with them, even on short notice… His advice is always straightforward and levelheaded, and he understands and relates to faculty and staff from their own standpoints, rather than simply from the chair’s perspective.”
Other nominators similarly noted DiRita’s focus on supporting those around him.
Rhiannon LeVeque, DiRita Lab Manager, said that DiRita “strives to ensure everyone feels supported and appreciated. He shows gratitude and support to build people’s esteem by verbally (and in writing) thanking people. It is amazing how a simple “Thank You” can boost somebody’s esteem. Additionally, during lab meetings, Vic points out where someone has done something exceptional or found a great new direction to take the research… Using his compassion, gratitude, and inclusive actions as a model, I hope that I too can emulate a supportive and nurturing work environment, where everybody feels welcomed and cherished, just as Vic does.”
In accepting the award, DiRita expressed gratitude to his team and colleagues, acknowledging that his achievements as a leader reflect the collaborative spirit and dedication of the entire department.
“I’m fortunate and grateful to be surrounded by people who think of things like nominating me for this award,” DiRita said.
As is tradition for this particular recognition, DiRita received the award at a surprise ceremony which was held on October 28th, 2024.
