Feb. 14, 2006 issue
I came here in 1978 and taught interior design. I'm coming up on 28 years
here at Eastern Michigan University, which is amazing to me. I never really
thought I'd stay that long, quite frankly. I thought I'd teach a few years
here and move on to a bigger school.
But, because of the variety of things I've been able to do here for the
department, the college and the University, it has kept things fresh,
stimulating and interesting.
I was one of three who taught interior design and it became a much bigger
program. I enjoyed teaching, but what kept me interested
was the ability to have release time to do other interesting
positions across campus. I've handled academic advising
for Fast Track and served on several college and university
committees. I eventually became a graduate adviser, a graduate
coordinator and a Graduate Council member, of which I served
as chair. I was asked if I would be interested in serving
as a faculty associate for the Graduate School. It was
a release position, but I was still teaching three classes
a year. The position turned into an associate dean position.
I have been associate dean in Academic Affairs for seven years now — how
time flies. The great part is you get to know so many people
on campus. My job is to address graduate students' problems.
That can be payroll, admissions or records issues. No two
days are alike which makes it interesting. Most recently,
I've been working with "Return
to Learn" students, those
coming back to finish their master's degrees.
The Graduate Research Fair began in 1999, the year I came to the Graduate
School. It evolved from an annual evening awards ceremony. The first year,
we had 50 students participate. This year, it looks like 161. I think
it has promoted pride in the scholarly work graduate students accomplish.
Our goal is to have at least one presenter from every program on campus
to show the diversity of study. If we don't share what we learn, we can't
build upon that and continue to broaden our knowledge.
You stay here because of the people. Eastern may not be financially well
off, but the creative, caring people are what keep you
here. Overall, they have big hearts and are willing to help others and
solve problems. It is a pleasure to collaboratively work together.
