What is your job title? Assistant Director of Development, College of Natural Science
What area of campus, building and department do you work in?
I work on north campus, in the Natural Science Building. I am part of the Advancement Team for the college, so I work for the Dean’s office in the College of Natural Science. I am also part of the greater University Advancement ‘umbrella’ that includes all of the development staff, MSU Alumni Association, communications and support staff.
How long have you been at MSU?
Just over four years
How long have you been an Area Rep?
More than two years, less than three…
Why is being a member of the Union important to you?
Before I worked at MSU part of the draw to come and work on campus were things like great healthcare benefits, matched retirement investments by the university, plenty of paid time off and more. When I was hired in my role and met with the VP of the MSU APA (who is now Dennis Seybert) I learned that many of the ‘great benefits’ that I valued were in place due to the union! I also grew up in an MEA household as my mother was a teacher in the public schools for over 25 years. Being a member of the APA is more than making sure I have access to great healthcare and am paid a fair salary, it is also about being part of a community that can provide support and information. I’ve also met amazing colleagues and made new friends! I feel this is very important working at a large institution like MSU.
What words of advice do you have for the new hires at MSU?
Get coffee with Dennis!  There will be a lot of information when you are first hired, as my supervisor use to say it’s like “drinking from a firehose.†Joining the APA and attending things like community lunches and other APA events make it easy to utilize the built-in network of support that the union provides.
What do you love about working at MSU?
I’m a proud alumna (class of ’02) and love being on campus every day. I love my job, I get to work with alumni and donors who are investing in the university, I help them connect to things that are meaningful to them and they feel great about making a positive difference at MSU. I have also met some of the best people ever while working here and have made new friends for life!
What do you like to do when you are not at work?
I love to be outside, especially this time of year. I spend a lot of time with family and friends, camping, hiking, biking, on the beach, on a river, seeing live music, or just relaxing with my dog, Jack. I also volunteer for local campaigns and community events in Lansing.
The AR’s are appointed by the Executive Board and their role is to assist with distributing APA materials and information and to serve as a resource for members. AR’s are assigned to a geographic area of campus, so if there is not an AR in your immediate building, you can find one nearby. For a list of AR’s go to http://lay.wyz.mybluehost.me/about/area-representatives-2/