The 35-year-old personal assistant from Lake Heights defeated 11 females to win the award at a breakfast in Wollongong yesterday.

Mr Smugreski said he was surprised by the win as it was usually his boss, Professor Gordon Wallace at the University of Wollongong, who bagged all the prizes.

"He's won every prize you can think of," Mr Smugreski said.

"I think the only award left for him to win is the Nobel Prize."

Mr Smugreski joined Prof Wallace as a part-time administration assistant at the university's Intelligent Polymer Research Institute 14 years ago.

When Prof Wallace's personal assistant went on maternity leave a year later, Mr Smugreski moved into her role and hasn't looked back.

Mr Smugreski said it was his love of the job, pernickety organisation skills and an immaculately tidy desk that helped him to win the prize.

Testimonials from visiting international professors would also have played a part, with one Irish academic describing Mr Smugreski as the "most effective administrator" he had dealt with in 25 years.

The runner-up at yesterday's awards was Sharon Wilson, from the university's School of Nursing.

Diane Napoleoni, of Dan Murphy Shellharbour, came third.

The "Most Loved" office stars were revealed as Felicia Kentwell, of the Child Protection Squad, and Monica Florez, of Wollongong College Australia.