11/02/2022
By David Joyner

Congratulations to Meylia Kurnianto, executive assistant to the provost, the recipient of the prestigious Administrative Excellence in Public Service Award given as part of the 2022 Greater Boston Admin Awards.

The annual program celebrates the essential work of executive assistants, administrative assistants, office managers and people in similar roles across a range of industries. Admin Awards are held in 10 different cities.

Meylia’s honor was announced at the “Good as Gold” event at the Marriott Copley Place hotel in Boston on Oct. 14. The regional awards program recognized winners from Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine and Rhode Island.

Meylia was cited for her organization, attention to detail and commitment to continuous learning, not to mention an “extraordinary commitment” to UMass Lowell.

The award citation noted her work in the provost’s office to develop streamlined, digital processes; her networking among faculty, students, staff and guests; as well as her efforts to ensure the provost and his office are prepared for a range of events.

“Meylia approaches all of her duties and interactions with grace and a can-do attitude,” it stated, “making her a critical member of the UMass Lowell team.”

Supporters of Meylia’s nomination also highlighted her work helping to launch a biopharmaceutical factory, PT. Formulatrix Indonesia.

Meylia had returned to her home country in 2006 after completing her graduate degree at Boston University and filled many roles for the start-up, where she was “instrumental in getting us started, turning concepts into real business practices,” according to her nomination.

“(H)er meticulous attention to detail made everything flow seamlessly,” it stated. The company now employs more than 1,000 people at its Indonesian plant.

Meylia is also an entrepreneur. She and her husband started a business, BOStempeh, that now operates from a facility in Somersworth, N.H., and has been featured in Bon Appetite and Taste magazines.

Meylia worked at Middlesex Community College before coming to UMass Lowell in 2016, where she has had an incredible impact and made important contributions to the office of the provost.