Nathan Wilson, a senior math major from St. Peters, Mo., was named Samford University's 2007 student employee of the year during an April 12 awards ceremony.

Wilson works as student coordinator of tutoring services for the Samford athletic department's academic enhancement program. He was nominated by his supervisors, athletic department administrators Chris Scott and Peter Neuberger, based on his reliability, quality of work, initiative, attitude, longevity, adaptability and uniqueness of contribution.

Calling him a "one-of-a-kind, every-other-decade" type of student employee, the nominators noted that Wilson has spoiled them with his dependability, work ethic and character.

Wilson assists in the coordination of student-athlete tutoring and study hall services, and serves as head student tutor, focusing on the subject of math. He has worked in various aspects of the program since his freshman year.

"He truly has a gift to make math such a clear subject to understand," wrote his nominators. "Above all else, he has an innate ability to lift the spirit and competencies of all he comes in contact with."

Wilson, who also works several off-campus math tutoring jobs and is student teaching this semester, is married and the father of an infant daughter. As Employee of the Year, he received a certificate of recognition and a $200 gift card to The Summit presented by Samford president Dr. Andrew Westmoreland.

The competition was held in conjunction with National Student Employment Week.

Twelve Samford student employees were nominated for this year's award. In addition to Wilson, they are: Jason Beard, Emily Bourke, Zach Dark, Danielle Greenwade, Casey Harbin, Haley Heckman, Elise Montgomery, Laura Morello, Katie Murnane, Amy Pope and Jeremy West.

Samford employs about 900 student workers each year.