1999 Service Appreciation Feature

35 years

Ann S. Register

Human Resources Facilitator/Personnel Technician I Academic Affairs Library

How do you describe your job?

As Human Resources Facilitator, Payroll/ Personnel Representative and Parking Facilitator for the Library, my position has the opportunity to directly and indirectly interact with every employee in my department. My position gives me the opportunity to work with every area of Human Resources, Parking and Transportation and Payroll Services just to name a few. Personnel work is varied, versatile, unpredictable, never boring and the kind of work that is never really completed but flows from one area to another with all parts and pieces fitting together to make the whole work.

How long have you been in your current department?

I began my position in the Library in September of 1974 after little over a year's absence from the University.

Where else on campus have you worked?

I worked for 11 years in what was called Correspondence Instruction in the Abernethy Hall building (now Independent Study located at the Friday Center). I left the University for little over a year when I remarried, but I returned after moving away for a while and I haven't left since.

What made you decide to come to work at the University?

When I first began at the University in 1962 there was no Research Triangle Park and the University and the Hospital were the big employers for this area at that time. My ex-husband was beginning graduate school and this was the logical place to work (I couldn't go back to work for that "Other University" down the road where I used to work, especially since I was now in Carolina territory). I also had heard that this was a good place to work.

How has Carolina changed the most during your time here?

Everything has changed: more buildings, more employees, more students, less on campus parking, from manual application to computer application, from a campus where you could walk to all the buildings you had business with, to a campus which now requires a shuttle service to reach many of those buildings that are now located off campus.

What is the best thing about working here?

The people. The employees of the University are good people who care about each other and are quick to lend a helping hand when needed. The University is also a stable place to work with an excellent working environment. Being around and working with the students keeps you feeling young but can also make you realize you are getting younger (have you noticed each year how much younger each freshman class looks). The University has pretty good benefits too.

What would you change if you could?

Getting to work and finding a place to park should not be so difficult for employees, they are so expensive. I think when new buildings are put up that parking should be a part of the planning process. I do believe the whole classification system needs to be overhauled with new levels added to many of the series. So many more skills are needed now with all the new technology, and many of the grade levels do not reflect that need so the University ends up as a training ground for the Research Triangle Park.

-- "Ann has a wealth of institutional memory, which makes her an invaluable resource not only in the Libraries, but also University-wide. She has a wonderful sense of humor and we all enjoy working with her."

-- Mari Marsh

30 years

Steven E. Bennett

Laborer

Carpenter's Shop

I help tear out walls and ceilings and clean up the

job sites.

How long have you been in your current department?

30 years.

I have worked in the electric shop, A/C shop and

paint shop.

How has Carolina changed the most during your time here?

The hospital.

The people.

-- "Steven is very dependable and hard working and is a great employee to supervise.

Nothing.

-- Steve Copeland

Librarian and Coordinator of Development

Brenda B. Bright

Institute of Marine Sciences

The job I have is unique as it combines the positions of librarian and coordinator of development. As the librarian I am responsible for all library related duties: interlibrary loans, book and serial acquisitions, reference assistance, sending serials to the bindery, shelving material, etc. I envy the departmental librarians on campus who have student help. As coordinator of development my duties include planning an annual open house, seminar, and clam bake for the Friends of the Institute, ceremonies to break ground and dedicate new buildings and coordinate plans for special events (i.e., visit by Molly Broad, UNC President). IMS recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, which included a reception, dedication and tour of the new Coastal Processes and Environmental Health Laboratory building (Chancellor Hooker was the dedication speaker), followed by a seminar and clambake. The following morning the UNC Marine Sciences Board of Visitors met at IMS, which included breakfast and lunch catered. I don't think there is another departmental librarian whose job description requires them to write ads for the Carolina Alumni Review and local newspapers, contact caterers and wonder if they will have enough food to feed 200 people.

How long have you been in your current department?

I came to work at IMS in 1974. Prior to that I worked at Duke University in Durham and Beaufort and worked seven years with the North Carolina Community College System. I have been a North Carolina state employee for 30 years.

I have never worked on campus; always 170 miles away in Morehead City.

What made you decide to come to work at the University?

I had worked with the community college system as a state employee and decided to go to work at the Institute of Marine Sciences after moving to Morehead City because the job responsibilities, salary and benefits were better than the local community college. I also would be able to continue working with the state and be able to draw state retirement benefits. My entire career had been in the field of education and I wanted to continue working in a professional atmosphere.

How has Carolina changed the most during your time here?

Carolina and IMS have grown considerably in the years I have worked at IMS. The changes in technology have made it necessary to be re-educated frequently in order to keep up with the demand for information. I had been sending requests to Davis Library to find locations for interlibrary loans and that ended when the IMS library finally became computerized. With e-mail and the Internet I was able to communicate with employees on campus more frequently and do my own interlibrary loan searches, all which consumed a large amount of time I didn't think I had. For example, looking at my e-mail messages can take over an hour a day!

The "here" for me is Morehead City, not Chapel Hill. IMS is located on Bogue Sound, which has a beautiful view with yachts and boats going by, and the beautiful Crystal Coast beaches are just across the bridge and, of course, we have great seafood restaurants. The location is great even though we complain about the increased traffic in the summer. My position has had many changes over the years and I have found it very interesting and challenging trying to coordinate the many different responsibilities of a librarian and development coordinator. The marine science research being conducted at IMS is involved with the hot topics concerning the environment and I can find out if the approaching hurricane is going to come in at Morehead City by talking to one of the IMS faculty members and looking at the hurricane tracking program on his computer.

I have wished that the same opportunities were available to upgrade my position as there are on campus. We can't apply for jobs in another department across campus and move up the career ladder unless we want to move 170 miles to Chapel Hill. It is very difficult to get reclassified. I am at the end of the pay scale for my classification grade and it upsets me when raises come out and I get 1% when others are getting 4%. Everyone at IMS wears several hats and it is hard to compare positions here with those on campus. I would like to see the University change the classification guidelines to make it possible for long-time employees in small departments with little money to be able to make better salaries.

-- "Brenda Bright, who is perhaps the single most familiar face at the Institute of Marine Sciences, efficiently oversees the Institute's library and handles a range of front-office tasks. She has dedicated her professional career to the Institute and we have always been secure knowing that any job she begins will be brought competently to full completion."

-- John Wells

Eva H. Caldwell

Administration Communications Assistant Medicine/Cardiology

How do you describe your job?

My position is Cardiology Central, therefore I am Cardiology Central. It can be very demanding but also rewarding in that I meet lovely people and the physical contact of interacting with others means so much.

How long have you been in your current department?

Nine years.

Where else on campus have you worked?

The Frank Porter Graham Child Development Center.

What made you decide to come to work at the University?

I knew this would be a great way to serve my community.

How has Carolina changed the most during your time here?

Other than the obvious growth of the physical campus, the generation changes in the students have been the largest impact along with the changing times.

What is the best thing about working here?

I am a very personable person and I love helping people.

What would you change if you could?

I would like to see some of the state rules and regulations change.

-- "Eva Caldwell exemplifies the highest qualities and attributes one could hope to find in a colleague at the UNC School of Medicine. Her performance is consistently superior, but beyond the outstanding performance on a daily basis there is a concern and compassion for her associates in the Division of Cardiology and the patients and others with whom we relate that is no small measure a major contribution to our success. Put quite simply, Eva Caldwell makes a difference. It is a pleasure and honor to work with her."

-- Sidney C. Smith

Anne F. Coenen

Student Services Manager

School of Education

How do you describe your job?

Busy, sometimes hectic, but very rewarding working with students. I've always enjoyed my contact with students and early on realized that they needed an advocate "who cared." Almost all have been grateful for the time spent listening, advising and helping them through the maze of the University procedure toward that hard-earned undergraduate degree.

Where else on campus have you worked?

College of Arts & Sciences ("Student Services" or whatever it's called) for 17 years.

What made you decide to come to work at the University?

When I graduated from UNC-CH there weren't many other employment opportunities in town. (Chapel Hill is my hometown). I thought I'd ultimately leave town, but never did -- truly didn't want to!

How has Carolina changed the most during your time here?

Rapid growth of new buildings consuming diminishing parking lots.

What is the best thing about working here?

Without hesitation, working with the faculty and staff -- the students!!! It was my pleasure and privilege to work with great people who selflessly put the University first: Raymond Dawson, the late Frank M. Duffey and James Gaskin, Helen Jane Wettach, Frederick W. Vogler, William I. Burke, Donald Jicha and Dixie Lee Spiegel. All tireless workers for the University making our University even greater from day to day!

What would you change if you could?

Better parking facilities for faculty, staff, students and visitors. Of course, this should have been started 30+ years ago! We give a poor impression to outsiders because of the lack of parking. Also, more "humane" administrators!

-- "Anne Coenen is one of the most valuable members of the School of Education community. She is a dedicated advocate for students who ensures that their needs are met and their concerns are addressed. Anne is always available for students, often staying well past 5 o'clock to meet with them and discuss their issues. We think that Anne provides the best advisement in the University, giving each undergraduate student three times a year a printed update of his or her progress toward fulfilling degree requirements. She shepherds our doctoral students through the maze of paperwork for completing their degrees. It is hard to imagine the School of Education without Anne Coenen, and I have assured her that she will not be permitted to retire until I do!"

-- Dixie Spiegel

Administrative Secretary II

Bennie W. Gates

Ophthalmology

My job is to provide secretarial support to the chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology. I try to relieve him of mundane activities and keep his calendar in an orderly fashion.

How long have you been in your current department?

30 years.

What made you decide to come to work at the University?

Family Medicine.

The University provided opportunities for on-the-job training and advancement, as well as benefits you could not obtain elsewhere in Chapel Hill.

How has Carolina changed the most during your time here?

Carolina has many more students, buildings, and programs now. New and better medical services are constantly being developed.

The opportunity to learn and grow. I also enjoy talking with all kinds of people from all walks of life.

There would be enough money for medical research so that we could conquer all kinds of diseases. And everybody would have a parking space close by!

-- "Bennie W. Gates was born in Chapel Hill and was the seventh of seven children born to James & Jessie Wright. She graduated from Chapel Hill High School in June of 1953. She was married in 1953 and has two sons who are married and three grandchildren. She has been a resident of Chapel Hill for 63 years and an employee in the ophthalmology department for 30 years. She came to work in the ophthalmology department in 1962 and worked until 1979 as the chairman's secretary. She then left the University to pursue a career of her own. She returned to the University in the ophthalmology department in 1986 and has continued to serve as the chairman's secretary. Her skills in organizing, typing, arranging and re-arranging are unsurpassed. She has long been a friend of the resident staff, administrative staff, the faculty and hundreds of ophthalmology patients. She is an excellent employee and her dedication and loyalty to the department will be greatly missed once she decides that it is time to retire."

-- David E. Efrig

William W. Graves, III

Senior Associate Director

Facilities and Telecommunications Applications

Administrative Information Services

How do you describe your job?

Guiding a group of dedicated information services professionals.

How long have you been in your current department?

30 years

Where else on campus have you worked?

AIS (formerly ADP) is it!

What made you decide to come to work at the University?

A friend who talked me into the (then) new technology environment.

How has Carolina changed the most during your time here?

Its increase in size and the need to do more with less that has finally created a willingness to look at solutions that extend beyond a single department.

What is the best thing about working here?

The people and the opportunities.

What would you change if you could?

I would free the University from the state legislature's micro-management and improve and centralize administrative support facilities so that administrative departments would find it easier to cooperate and work toward mutual goals.

-- "Bill has all the traits of an outstanding manager --he is highly intelligent, dedicated, resourceful and dependable, and is one of those managers that can always be counted on to get the job done, whatever it takes. His knowledge and experience with so many of the University's administrative computer applications on a variety of technical platforms make Bill an extremely valuable manager for AIS and the University."

-- Robert W. Culp

Ann A. Hamner

Director of Business and Finance

Biostatistics, School of Public Health

How do you describe your job?

My job in Biostatistics presents interesting issues everyday. As the staff member responsible for fiscal and personnel management, there is always a new problem for me to think about and to seek solutions for. I think being a manager involves creative thinking, maintaining a useful network and working at team building. Without the good people that I work with, it would be a lot harder to get my work done.

How long have you been in your current department?

I've been in Biostatistics since fall of 1981 except for a two-year stint at Contracts and Grants in 1990-91.

Where else on campus have you worked?

I began at the University in 1961 in the School of Social Work as a Clerk-Steno II making $200/month, and was there until 1966. When I returned to the University in 1973 I worked for a law professor for a year and then came to the School of Public Health, where I worked as the Business Manager in Nutrition until I came to Biostatistics.

What made you decide to come to work at the University?

I came to work at the University with my then-husband who was working on a Ph.D. in English. I was told by the administrative secretary in Social Work who hired me that she selected me from the other student wives who were applying for the job because Ph.D.'s in English were known to take a long time to finish and she didn't want to have "to fill this job again anytime soon!"

How has Carolina changed the most during your time here?

How has Carolina changed since I came here? Wow, size is a big thing. When I began here, the entire School of Social Work was housed in the basement of Alumni Building and South Campus barely existed. Human Resources (then called Personnel) consisted of two people. When I had to prepare grant proposals, we had to type them on manual typewriters with carbon paper (does anyone remember carbon paper?) I'm beginning to sound like the "olden days" but I am grateful everyday for the blossoming of the technology available to us. We maintained books on grants and contracts by hand--on green ledger paper and used an adding machine with a big, old crank!

What is the best thing about working here?

I'm sure I'm not alone when I say the best thing about working here is the people I've met throughout the years. I've been very fortunate in working with wonderful chairs of my department who've kept this job interesting! And who've supported me in my outside-the-department volunteer work within the University. In my volunteer work in the University, I've worked with faculty, staff and students who are all committed to the University and to the people who work here. My year as chair of the Employee Forum in 1996 was a very special year--it was absolutely fascinating to participate in the many levels of activities that the chair is called upon to serve. And lastly, being a Tar Heel basketball fan for many years has made it particularly special to work here! Even today.

What would you change if you could?

What would I change? That's hard to say. So many things have changed--when I started at UNC, we were dealing with segregation issues, employees paid below the poverty level, the speaker ban law and manual typewriters! I find that some of the things I would change are underway--once again related to technology making our jobs more manageable--things like the new departmental accounting system, the HRIS system and the grants management system. When we continue to grow I find it very important that we find ways to keep lines of communication open and for departments to not be sitting out here with each of us reinventing the wheel.

-- "To mention Ann's contributions to Carolina would take pages. Over the years, she has worked tirelessly organizing activities such as the Carolina Campus Cares on behalf of lower income employees, and chairing innumerable committees including the Training and Development Committee of the University Managers Association, the Committee for Volunteers of the University Blood Drive, the University Employee Forum, and most recently, the Search Committee for the Director of Housekeeping. Ann's love for Carolina is legendary. In a nutshell, Carolina is her home and her community. Ann does all these things for the University community in addition to her outstanding work and strong leadership in her capacity as Director of Business and Finance in the Department of Biostatistics."

-- C.E. Davis

Joan Holeman

Information Processing Assistant

University Registrar

How do you describe your job?

It's very interesting. I do a lot of data entry. I'm also a team player for other offices in our department. I intermingle with other offices on campus for distributions such as mailings.

How long have you been in your current department?

17 years.

Where else on campus have you worked?

Administrative Data Processing (now AIS).

What made you decide to come to work at the University?

I had been to keypunching school, and keypunching was new at the University, so I applied for a job, which I got.

How has Carolina changed the most during your time here?

Changes in technology from keypunching in data manually to using computers now. The changes in personnel in my office, people have come and gone, and I'm still there. Paying more for parking.

What is the best thing about working here?

The atmosphere of the students. I have great bosses. I have great co-workers. I love doing what I do.

What would you change if you could?

Nothing.

-- "Joan is one of the office magnets. She attracts all to her by always being a friend, supportive, loyal and caring. She takes the extra time to make everyone around her feel welcome. What best may sum it up is, when asked how she felt about actually reaching 30 years and being free to walk out the door with full retirement, her only comment was, "I never thought about it." It goes without saying, Joan is visible on campus. Everyone may not know her name but may recognize her easily because she always comes to work looking cool and coordinated."

-- Joann Kucharski

Reginald Leatherberry

Electronic Shop Supervisor

Chemistry

How do you describe your job?

Responsible for the preventive and restorative electronic maintenance of research and instructional scientific equipment, also the design and fabrication of new electronic systems.

How long have you been in your current department?

I have been in the Chemistry department for 30 years and three months.

Where else on campus have you worked?

This is the only place on campus that I've worked.

What made you decide to come to work at the University?

The main reason that I decided to come to work at the University was that this job presented the opportunity to work on many new types of instrumentation.

How has Carolina changed the most during your time here?

The main change that I have seen during my time here is in the decline in workplace satisfaction and the low moral among many staff employees.

What is the best thing about working here?

The best thing about working here is that we get a wide variety of job requests.

-- "Reggie is the type of guy who becomes one of your best friends the first time you meet him. He is extremely dedicated to this department and has held the same type of position here for 30 years. His work ethic is excellent."

--Mike Quinn

I work for two economic journals; I work with faculty and students in a research and classroom capacity. I'd say it's sometimes hectic but still fun and fulfilling.

How long have you been in your current department?

Since 1975.

Carolina Inn and Business School.

What made you decide to come to work at the University?

My dad worked here and he suggested it because he loves this campus so much.

How has Carolina changed the most during your time here?

The size of the campus, student population and the technology.

I enjoy the people I work with personally and professionally. The economics department has the best university manager I've ever worked for, Debbie Edwards.

There would be free and ample parking for everyone!

-- "Sarah is a very cooperative and reliable employee. It is a pleasure to work with her. She is a nice person who cares about others, especially her co-workers. I appreciate her dedication and good humor."

-- Debbie Edwards

Payroll Accounting Technician

Marlou F. Pippin

Payroll

The outline of my job includes the assurance of payment and inputting any necessary changes that need to be made concerning graduates, research and teaching assistance on the EPA biweekly payroll.

How long have you been in your current department?

All of the 30 years.

The department of clinical chemistry.

What made you decide to come to work at the University?

My previous employment relocated out of the area, and an opportunity was offered to me here, and I accepted in order to remain in the area.

How has Carolina changed the most during your time here?

There have been a multitude of changes made at Carolina during my time here, and I think the most change made, which was a great change, was the introduction and use of the computer system, especially for the growth of this technical time period.

The people I work with and the interacting and corresponding with people on campus and most of all, liking my job.

As far as mankind, just to show humanity in whatever I could or should do.

-- "Marlou is a very dedicated and dependable employee. She is conscientious, strives to do a good job and is always willing to help others. In the 30 years she has worked in Payroll Services, she has seen many changes take place within her job and has been more than willing to assist with the implementation of these enhancements."

-- Elizabeth C. (Betsi) Snipes

Donald W. Reinfurt

Deputy Director

UNC Highway Safety Research Center

How do you describe your job?

Carry out research and program evaluation in highway safety areas such as occupant restraint (e.g. seat belts effectiveness).

How long have you been in your current department?

30 years last October.

Where else on campus have you worked?

Nowhere else!

What made you decide to come to work at the University?

I was a Ph.D. student in Biostatistics and needed a job while working on a dissertation.

How has Carolina changed the most during your time here?

Growth, particularly in Health Affairs.

What is the best thing about working here?

Access to other parts of the University (e.g. libraries, gym, and campus) as well as courses and cultural events/musical programs.

What would you change if you could?

Return to amateur status of the intercollegiate sports program.

-- "Don is an incredible asset to the Highway Safety Research Center. Not only is he an excellent researcher and a statistical consultant for our staff, but I couldn't have done without his assistance in all those less-than-fun, but necessary administrative tasks we have to do to be successful. I consider myself very, very fortunate to have had his help, support, and friendship for these 30 years. (And he does love those Heels!)"

-- Forrest M. Council

Facilities Services/Construction Management Department

Edward R. Short

Construction Manager

I am one of five construction managers who manage major construction projects for the University such as new building construction, building renovations and new utility systems. Our focus is on quality construction, University needs, "on schedule" completion, budget management, dispute resolution, coordination with University operations, inspections, etc.

How long have you been in your current department?

30 years.

What made you decide to come to work at the University?

Nowhere.

The work was consistent with my interest and education and I liked the area.

How has Carolina changed the most during your time here?

Massive growth in the medical school research facilities.

The University people.

Maybe more centralization of management in some areas.

-- "Ed is a valuable employee not only because of his many years here, but he is also an excellent engineer and contract administrator. We are fortunate to have him."

It allows me to interact with the student population as well as the researchers.

How long have you been in your current department?

26 years, since 1973.

What made you decide to come to work at the University?

I needed a full-time position. I worked with Chapel Hill/Carrboro City Schools for five years before coming to the University. And to continue to work for the state.

How has Carolina changed the most during your time here?

Parking is atrocious and the population has drastically increased.

Friendships developed and the benefits.

Decrease cost of parking.

-- "Sarah is one of those rare employees that combines a strong work ethic with a charm that makes everyone who works with her, friend and stranger alike, glad to have known her. She is a loyal, dedicated, independent and valuable employee, but more than that she is a person who makes the Dental Research Center a better place to work for everyone."

- Patrick Flood

Donald B. Thomas

Training Program Director

Carolina Population Center

How do you describe your job?

I administer a training program for about a dozen postdocs, three dozen predocs and a few others in one of the best university population centers in the world, the Carolina Population Center (and, even though I'm primarily an administrator, I DO work).

How long have you been in your current department?

I first had an office at CPC in 1968, and have had one almost all of the time since then (but had other employing units and positions that aren't counted in longevity during the 70's).

Where else on campus have you worked?

I started out as a faculty member in what was then the Department of Public Health Nursing in 1959, and later was a research associate in Maternal and Child Health.

What made you decide to come to work at the University?

The need to work was a result of my failure to be born independently wealthy; choosing to work at UNC, despite a comparatively low starting salary, was because of its reputation as an excellent university in a university town. I still think this is a good place to raise a family.

How has Carolina changed the most during your time here?

Growth-related changes are striking; I made suggestions for the floor plans of Rosenau Hall, and (Ed) McGavran and (Bernie) Greenberg were two of the people who interviewed me for my first job here instead of being names on a building. There were only two types of UNC parking stickers, and the health affairs variety (which cost about $5...?) allowed parking essentially anywhere on campus. CPC didn't exist yet. But the new UNIVAC, installed for the 1960 census, was a lot larger than its descendants.

What is the best thing about working here?

It's nice to be a part, however small, of a great university and to work with stimulating and interesting people.

What would you change if you could?

It might be nice to change the result of the Weber State game, and it would be nice to have area traffic more like it was in 1959 (when 15-501 was referred to as the "new" road to Durham). State employee salary increases would be nice...and I wouldn't mind feeling 30 years younger....

-- "The Carolina Population Center's predoctoral and postdoctoral training program could not have achieved its strong national and international stature without the dedicated and tireless efforts of Don Thomas, the program director, over these many years of service. Several generations of population researchers have been trained through the program; and Don has embraced the training mission, as well as other Center-wide programs, with a personal and professional commitment that makes him one of the very highly valued members of the CPC community."

-- Amy Ong Tsui

Laboratory Animal Medicine

Luvinia O. Williams

Lab Tech II

I describe my job as working with animals and taking care of them so the researchers will be successful with their experiments.

How long have you been in your current department?

I have been in this department for 26 years.