The Will J. Hancock Unsung Hero Award is given to business officers who have made extraordinary contributions to their schools and exemplify exceptional integrity, knowledge and motivation. At the end of each school year, new Unsung Heroes receive their award from their head of school, often at a significant school occasion such as a board meeting or an all-school ceremony. What makes these Unsung Heroes so special? The highlights below come straight from their colleagues' nominations.
See a full list of the 2022 recipients. Stay tuned to Net Assets online for additional profiles.
Title: Chief Financial Officer
School: Oasis International School — Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Malaysia
Years in Position: 4
Years in an independent school business office: 10
Superpower: Staff support: Shuflin is credited with creating “an environment where all of his team members continuously grow in their understanding of [the school’s] mission and culture,” according to Head of School Ben Hale. This sense of connectedness is especially important in an international school, “where local support staff may not feel connected to [international] mission of the school.” For example, Shuflin recently implemented a program that asked business office staff members to observe lessons at all levels of the school. Participating employees said they have a better understanding of the school’s culture and mission as a result, which has helped lead more effective conversations during customer service and support interactions.
Founding voice: Shuflin served as a founding member of the school in 2018 and was “instrumental” in leading the school through the accreditation process. He now serves as co-chair of the accreditation committee and chair of the action plan committee.
Bold and innovative: Shuflin possesses “an ability to think outside the box while researching best practices and gathering relevant data. He challenges the school’s leadership team to be bold and innovative,” said Hale.
Other duties as assigned: Outside the business office, Shuflin leads a school mentorship program, co-sponsors a design technology workshop on campus, and conducts business office trainings for student volunteers.
