Cheryl Leblanc Honored as February 2026 Most Valuable Panther

Cheryl Leblanc, the Director of Business Operations and Projects at Florida Tech, has been awarded the title of Most Valuable Panther for February 2026. This recognition highlights her exceptional contributions to the university, particularly within the Facilities Department. The announcement was made by the Office of Human Resources, which emphasized Leblanc’s proactive support and commitment to both internal and external stakeholders.

In the statement from the Office of Human Resources, it was noted that Leblanc consistently demonstrates outstanding involvement in her role. She is recognized for her responsiveness, approachability, and solutions-oriented mindset, which greatly benefits faculty, staff, students, and vendors alike. Her positive approach has fostered a collaborative work environment, enhancing relationships between the facilities and other departments across campus.

Outstanding Leadership and Commitment

Leblanc’s leadership style is characterized by professionalism and respectful communication. She sets a strong example for her team by stepping in wherever needed, ensuring that projects and operational needs are managed with transparency and efficiency. Her efforts directly contribute to the department’s reputation and reflect the university’s dedication to service excellence.

Her attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high standards in business operations have not gone unnoticed. Leblanc regularly identifies opportunities to streamline workflows and strengthen internal controls. This proactive approach is instrumental in enhancing the efficiency of facilities operations and supports long-term planning initiatives.

According to the Office of Human Resources, Leblanc’s ability to manage complex responsibilities while ensuring accuracy and accountability is a testament to her dedication. She promotes effective resource management and improves coordination across various initiatives. This, in turn, ensures that facilities projects are executed in an organized and cost-effective manner.

Exceeding Expectations

Leblanc routinely goes above and beyond in her role, taking ownership of challenges that extend beyond typical business operations. She has demonstrated exceptional dedication by addressing urgent issues and providing guidance to her staff, ensuring that deadlines are consistently met even under pressure.

Her willingness to support multiple initiatives simultaneously showcases her commitment to maintaining uninterrupted departmental operations. By anticipating needs and resolving problems proactively, she provides invaluable leadership during critical moments. Her strong sense of responsibility and dedication to the success of both the university and her colleagues solidify her status as a vital member of the facilities team.

The Most Valuable Panther program seeks nominations for employees who exemplify the university’s standards of innovation and quality service. Nominations for the award are open until March 20, 2026. Submissions should include specific examples that illustrate how the nominee benefits their organizational unit, department, or the university as a whole. The inclusion of concrete details, such as contributions, outcomes, and anecdotes, will help highlight the nominee’s qualifications for this distinguished recognition.