Interview by Laura Wise, APA Executive Board
Our APA Member Spotlight is highlighting Betty Wernette-Babian, R.S., University Sanitarian in this issue.
How long have you been at MSU?
Celebrating 32 years this month!! (I tell everyone I started when I was three!)
Have you been a member of APA the whole time?
Yes
Can you tell me a little bit about what you do?
The Food and Water Sanitarian promotes a healthy environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors by overseeing food safety, inspecting, and licensing MSU facilities. I am also involved in providing manager certification training for our Residential and Hospitality Services staff who work in food operations.
What brought you to your job at MSU?
I had worked as a sanitarian with Allegan and Ingham County Health Departments, and as a corporate Sanitarian with Meijer before coming to MSU. I wanted a position that would not include a lot of traveling on the job! I was very interested in the Institutional atmosphere, one where partners would appreciate what I could bring to the university.
What do you love about working at MSU?
The people I interact with, not just the students but staff and faculty, it feels like a big family!
What do you like to do when you are not at work?
I am involved in my church as a workshop leader for our Christian Ed program for 1-4 grades, choir and usher. I also scrapbook and play a little golf. We love family time and try to go north often, (Mecosta County where I grew up) and Florida (where my parents had property and now we own, in Crystal River) in the winter.