APA Member Feature

Meet Fellow APA – Valerie Geyer  

By Gerlind Kiupel, Communication Committee Member 

What is your job title?  Intake and Outreach Coordinator/Case Administrator II 

How long have you been at MSU? 35 Years, started November 1985 

Have you been a member of the APA the whole time? No, before taking this position in October of 2013, I was a member of the Clerical Technical Union. 

What department do you work in, and can you tell me a little bit about what you do?  I am the Intake and Outreach Coordinator for the Office of the University Ombudsperson.  I am the first level of contact for students, faculty, and staff reaching out for assistance in handling issues involving students on campus, both academic and non-academic.  I oversee the office’s participation in various campus activities, maintain the business end of the office, gather data and compile reports on our services to the community, maintain our website, etc. and assist the Ombudsperson and Assistant Ombudsperson as needed.  

What brought you to your job at MSU?  I was brought up in a family of MSU Spartans, as both of my parents worked for and retired from MSU as well as other relatives. After attending LCC for accounting I was able to secure a position in the MSU Controller’s Office working in Loans Receivable disbursing and collecting on student loans.  From there I moved on to working with academic advising of undergraduate and graduate students in both the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, and The School of Planning Design and Construction, before moving to the Office of the University Ombudsperson.  

What do you enjoy most about working at MSU?  I enjoy meeting the students. Seeing them arrive as young adults, growing, and moving on as alums or maybe staying around for graduate school and becoming MSU faculty.  In all my positions on campus I have been able to help students during their time of need and I have found that most satisfying.  Working at MSU keeps me young at heart! 

What do you like to do when you are not at work? I like spending time at my family cottage in the Upper Peninsula and traveling around the country to visit new places. I enjoy playing the piano, going to concerts, cooking and baking, hosting parties. Oh and shopping! It seems I am even good at online shopping LOL 

In high school I was known for my musical talents in band and choir and competing in office skills competitions at Davenport University (business school at the time). 

People would be surprised to know I am skilled at riding ATV’s and stacking wood LOL 

I have zero pets. 

I like Christian, Classical, Country, Rock and just about every kind of music other than heavy metal music. 

My favorite area restaurant is Tomato Brothers in Howell and my favorite dish is Lasagna. 

My favorite junk food is PIZZA (hot, cold, deep dish or regular) it is all good!