(Winston-Salem) The University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) Purchasing Department has received the highest award given in its field, the 2012 Sustained Professional Award by the Carolina’s Association of Governmental Purchasing (CAGP).

The award is given to agencies that demonstrate excellence in purchasing standards. Award criteria include the use of technology, minority outreach, staff certification, customer training, vendor training, and the use of recycled products.

“The use of best practices is critical in this tight economy,” said Chief Operating Officer George Burnette. “This recognition affirms that our purchasing department is working hard to maximize every dollar we spend.”

The UNCSA Purchasing Department is comprised of Tarinda Chappell, director; Allen Carnes, purchasing agent; and Libby Rush, coordinator of fixed assets and surplus property.

Since 1952, CAGP has supported public procurement professionals in North and South Carolina through a variety of educational and networking programs and opportunities. It has more than 400 members.

As America’s first state-supported arts school, the University of North Carolina School of the Arts is a unique stand-alone public university of arts conservatories. With a high school component, UNCSA is a degree-granting institution that trains young people of talent in music, dance, drama, filmmaking, and design and production. Established by the N.C. General Assembly in 1963, the School of the Arts opened in Winston-Salem (“The City of Arts and Innovation”) in 1965 and became part of the University of North Carolina system in 1972. For more information, visit www.uncsa.edu.

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