Uriah Berryhill: 2023 Employee of the Year
"I want to create the same energy that I received"
By Isabella Hollingsworth-Sons, Staff Writer
Known on campus for his positive energy and passion for his work, Uriah Berryhill ('14, '17) is the most recent winner of the Governors State University (GovState) Employee of the Year award. This prestigious award granted by Civil Service at GovState is given to one employee annually out of 12 nominees, each one a previous winner of the employee of the month program.
Berryhill was announced as the winner in March at an event celebrating Civil Service employees across the campus. As a two-time alumnus of the College of Arts and Sciences earning a Bachelor's of Arts in Communication and then a Masters in Independent Filmmaking, he’s left his mark in academia and now as a longtime employee of the Digital Learning and Media Design (DLMD).
GovState Newsroom: When did you begin your journey at Governors State?
Berryhill: I came to GovState in 2013 so, wow, 11 years now. I transferred as a junior majoring in Communications and almost immediately became involved with This Week at GovState (TWAG), which we’ve recently brought back. I became involved because of Jamila, my wife, who at the time was my girlfriend, she was the host. I had some previous TV production experience, but that was my first moment with DLMD.
GovState Newsroom: When did you become a full-time employee here at GovState?
Berryhill: In 2016 I graduated with my bachelor's and received a full-time position here, coming back to the classroom as well for my Masters in Independent Filmmaking. I started as a media specialist and eventually transitioned to my current role, production coordinator.
GovState Newsroom: How has your passion for GovState and DLMD led you professionally?
Berryhill: What got me into DLMD's door was the TV studios, with two fully functioning studios we have what any major studio in Chicago has right here. That was the biggest thing. As a student DLMD lets you get involved; they let students touch the camera, edit, and produce. DLMD has always been integral in giving students hands-on experience, in a real-world atmosphere. I don’t think I could be who I am now without it. I’ve stayed here, but I’ve also transitioned from position to position. Every position I’ve had wasn’t handed to me - I’ve had to apply and qualify. The experience I’ve received fueled the fire I already have from being in the classroom to my actual job here today. It’s created a deep passion. The staff here doesn’t always recognize that they are educators because it’s what they do everyday, but when you see it it’s inspiring.
GovState Newsroom: How are you a mentor in your current role?
Berryhill: I always think “that’s what was given to me” when I was a student and I try to be that beacon for future students in the department so when they walk out of here they can be like, “I learned from some really great people.” I try to teach students how to love what they’re doing and have people in the industry to look up to. I want to create the same energy that I received.
Diversity is also important to me. Our student worker team always showcases the diversity; we’ve had workers from all ranges of ethnicity and race and even international students. Their degrees are not only media and communication majors but those in IT, psychology, and healthcare, and our department is a draw for them. Even if they don’t want to work in TV, our student workers feel something when they work here.
Something my grandfather told me that I repeat a lot, “A smart person learns from their mistakes, a wise person learns from mistakes of others.” So, in my role with students, I’m always having conversations and telling my story so that they can learn from me and grow into their own. I want to push wisdom; everyone here is smart – they're in college, but not everyone has wisdom and that’s something I want to always put out in my role.
GovState Newsroom: With your storied history with DLMD, how does it feel to earn this recognition as employee of the year?
Berryhill: I’m still processing it. Coming to work every day is a joy to me, it’s part of my life. I love being a husband and a father – those are connections to my heart, but I also love what I do for DLMD. It’s the same connection to my heart. The department has transformed me. GovState is my second family. Working here for as long as I’ve been here, you just realize how many dedicated employees there are here. Working for a University means an investment in students and education, and to be the winner for this year is such an honor.