October 2007• The monthly newsletter for UWT faculty and staff

New staff at UW Tacoma

This list includes new permanent staff who joined UWT since Sept. 15, 2006. The list does not include hourly or temporary workers. Former hourly workers who were hired into a permanent position this year are included.

	Serin M. Anderson Budget & Collection Resources Librarian, July 2007 You may have seen her: In the library. Her job: Serin reviews and purchases books and resources for the environmental science and business programs and is involved with budget allocations for the library's operations and materials budgets. Last job: Research library technician for the National Park Service in Seattle. First impressions of UWT: Serin graduated from UWT’s Business program in 2002. As a student, she was attracted to UWT’s location, and was glad to come back to work at UWT because she really likes the people. “It was more like a homecoming,” Serin says. Other interesting facts: Serin earned her Master of Library and Information Science in 2007 from The University of Washington Seattle. She lives in University Place with her husband and their 11-year-old daughter. She enjoys science fiction and bike riding.
	Dayna Barr Office Assistant, Campus Safety, January 2007 You may have seen her: In Dougan 180 or all around the campus. Dayna enjoys the fact that she is encouraged to go out and talk with people. Her job: Filing department and financial paperwork, keeping track of her boss’ calendar, and inventory records. Last job: She has worked with an attorney in Tacoma and as a vendor in returns with Zones. First impressions of UWT: She graduated from UWT in March of 2004, and although it hasn’t been easy to transition from student to staff member, she says she feels very welcomed. “I’ve always loved it here. It’s a nice small-knit community that has such a huge impact on our city.” A longtime South Sound resident, she says UWT has had a positive impact on the community. Other interesting facts: She has two sons, ages 17 and 4, and a daughter, age 14. When asked what she does in her free time, she replies with a laugh, “What is free time?” She describes herself as a science geek who likes the Discovery Channel, especially planetary science.
	David Bilbrey Media Technician Senior, Media Services, February 2007 You may have seen him: In MAT 253. His job: He leads student workers and gets equipment ready for campus events. Last job: He worked at Borders on South Hill. First impressions of UWT: “I liked how the campus wasn’t that big.” He said the small environment allows the staff to become familiar with the campus community. Other interesting facts: He graduated from UW Seattle in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in communications. He plays guitar, bass and keyboard and sings backup vocals for a number of bands (see his Myspace page for details). He got married this summer and lives in Tacoma with his wife, who runs the clothing store Junior Bizarre on 7th and Broadway.
	Jeaneen Bougard Program Assistant, IAS, March 2007 You may have seen her: in WCG 424 Her job: Jeaneen serves as the first contact between students and UWT. She answers the phone in the IAS office, assists the staff and responds to student inquires. Last job: Library assistant with the King County Library System and project manager administrative assistant at Molar Design. First impressions of UWT: A 2004 IAS graduate, Jeaneen says UWT is “a community-based college. I like the size of it, and I like the fact that I have close contact with the professors and staff here.” Other interesting facts: She studied abroad in Mexico through UWT and loves karaoke. She wants to become an adviser at UWT someday because she is “really interested in helping students.” She also plans to eventually earn her master’s degree.
	Tami Camacho Freshman Admissions Specialist, Enrollment Services, July 2007 You may have seen her: In the Enrollment Services suite. Her job: Tami reviews student transcripts and applications and admits students after their applications have been evaluated by faculty readers and advisers. Last job: She was a financial aid adviser for seven years at Pierce College Puyallup, where she earned her associate’s degree. First impressions of UWT: “I love the people I work with.” Other interesting facts: Tami attended classes at UWT and Central Washington University to earn her bachelor’s degree in Social Science. Tami says that helping students is one of her hobbies; she always encourages individuals to continue their education and enjoys spending even free time to help students fill out financial aid forms. “I’m constantly in my role as an adviser,” Tami says. She hopes to enter UWT’s Master of Social Work program next year. Tami and her husband, who live in Spanaway, have seven daughters between the ages of 14 and 26 and a cocker spaniel.
	F. Jeri Carter Psychologist & Associate Director, Counseling Center, December 2006 You may have seen her: in the Mattress Factory building, usually in MAT 206. Her job: Jeri is responsible for all functions of the Student Counseling Center; she provides counseling and other mental health services to students and outreach information and consultation services to the campus community. She also trains and supervises the Counseling Center's interns, oversees the Suicide Prevention Grant and contributes to the UWT Wellness Committee. Last job: After beginning her professional career in student affairs, Jeri spent over 20 years as psychology faculty in the U.S. and in Spain before returning to work directly with students. She is a licensed psychologist and maintains a small private practice. Jeri is also an officer in the Washington State Psychological Association. First impressions of UWT: “Beautiful campus and warm, friendly community of colleagues and students. It's such an exciting time to be here, with the campus still small enough to have a 'family' feeling, yet with such growth and potential!” Other interesting facts: A transplant from Georgia, Jeri grew up in a military family and still enjoys traveling. She commutes from Ballard, enjoys gardening, photography, and when time permits, flying airplanes.
	Erica Lynn Coe Head of Instruction Services, Library, November 2006 You may have seen her: In the reference area of the UWT Library. Her job: Erica organizes, promotes and manages the library instruction and information literacy program. She describes information literacy as a library term for how students use, understand and evaluate information sources. She is also the subject librarian for the Nursing, Social Work, Psychology and Gender Studies programs. Last job: For five years, Erica was a reference and instruction librarian at the University of Dayton in Ohio. First impressions of UWT: “It’s a very fun and obviously continually changing environment, and I’ve been impressed by how people have come together during the challenges of becoming a 4-year institution.” Other interesting facts: Erica and her husband, Brent, are originally from Indiana and have lived in the deep south. They decided to try living in the Pacific Northwest, in part because they both enjoy bike riding. “We were enticed by the outdoors,” Erica says. She enjoys witnessing what she calls the “Aha!” moment, when students discover a research source they did not know existed and realize that reliable resources can be just as easy to find as Wikipedia. Erica also enjoys making beaded jewelry and stamped cards and being able to walk to work.
	Daniela Costea Pre-doctoral counseling intern, Counseling Center, September 2007 You may have seen her: In the Mattress Factory building. Her job: She provides counseling and psychotherapy services to students and will be involved in outreach for the Counseling Center. Daniela is at UW Tacoma on a one-year appointment while she finishes her Ph.D. through Argus University in Seattle. Last job: She was a mental health professional in a psychiatric clinic in Romania. First impressions of UWT: “I think it’s a very nice community, very small and intimate. It’s a very welcoming environment.” Other interesting facts: Daniela moved to the U.S. from Romania 10 years ago when her husband took a job at Microsoft. They live in Redmond with their 11-year-old daughter and 5-year-old son.
	Cedric Howard Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, September 2007 You may have seen him: In the Mattress Factory building. His job: Cedric leads the Student Affairs office, which promotes student development and learning opportunities both in and out of the classroom. In the future, he says, Student Affairs will expand its resources to prepare all students to become productive citizens in a global environment. First impressions of UWT: "I am very excited to join the dynamic team at UW Tacoma. The university is poised to do great things for Tacoma and the Puget Sound region."
	Heather Hucks IAS Academic Adviser, July 2007 You may have seen her: On the fourth floor of WCG. Her job: Heather introduces new students to the program and helps them schedule classes and meet graduation requirements. Last job: She worked at the University of Utah for the general adviser’s office. First impressions of UWT: “Everyone is so friendly.” She says she enjoys that colleagues introduce themselves and remember her name. Heather also enjoys the personal interaction with the students. Other interesting facts: Heather moved to Washington when her partner, Necia, a Washington native, wanted to return. She loves hiking, reading mysteries and women’s basketball. She also loves to travel and has been to Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Australia and parts of Europe, Canada and the United States.
	Joe Lawless Director, Center for Corporate Leadership and Social Responsibility, August 2007 His job: Joe runs the Milgard School of Business' new Center for Corporate Leadership and Social Responsibility, which helps to promote socially responsible business practices in the South Sound. He will work with UWT faculty and students and the community to incorporate social responsibility into the curriculum. Last job: Executive director of the Mary Bridge Children’s Foundation and UW Tacoma MBA student (he graduated in June 2007) First impressions of UWT: "As a student, I was impressed with the quality of the staff and faculty. It's exciting to work here, and to have the opportunity to create this center from the ground up." Other interesting facts: Joe, a Tacoma native, has three children, ages 5, 12 and 15.
	Bernie Liang Student Affairs Resource Specialist, August 2007 You may have seen him: In the Mattress Factory building. His job: Bernie is creating multiple resources for UWT students, including assistance for students with childcare, an off-campus housing resource and health and wellness programs and opportunities. He also works with the Peer Advisor program, which helps freshmen students make an easier transition into UWT. Last job: Associate director of residence life at Willamette University in Salem, Ore. First impressions of UWT: “UWT is a beautiful campus. Coming back here, what struck me was the growth." Other interesting facts: Bernie attended graduate school at Seattle University in 2000 and moved back to Seattle this July with his partner, Ryan. He used to sing in the Seattle University choir and enjoys all styles of music. He hopes that his presence will help all students feel comfortable here. “One of my passions is to work for diversity and inclusion in our campus community.”
	Sam Loftin Dual Enrollment Adviser, Admissions Advising and Outreach, March 2007 You may have seen him: In the Science Building His job: Sam advises students who are interested in pursuing dual enrollment with Tacoma Community College and provides them with information, resources and support to fulfill their goals. Last job: Sam was an adviser and teacher in Oregon. Before that, he practiced poverty law in the rural South. First impressions of UWT: “I think there's a wonderful energy and exuberance here, a commitment to intellectual and personal growth, to creative and community-oriented mechanisms for serving our students and our region. And there's a collegiality that makes it fun to work here.” Other interesting facts: Sam is married to new Global Honors Program Coordinator Tanya Ulsted; they have a 14-month-old daughter. He enjoys traveling, reading and writing and calls himself a “basketball junkie.”
	Valerie Mediate-Urevig Office Assistant III for the Nursing Program, October 2006 You may have seen her: In Cherry Parkes 326. Her job: Valerie provides office support and is the first point of contact for the Nursing Program. Last job: Office assistant at Tacoma Community College’s Gig Harbor campus. First impressions of UWT: “What a beautiful campus! Who knew? And the staff and faculty, so friendly, so personable. What a wonderful group of people. It is certainly my pleasure being here.”
	Stacy Miller Admissions Adviser in Admissions Advising and Outreach, February 2007 You may have seen her: In Science 105. Her job: Stacy works at UWT three days a week serving as an adviser to prospective students. She also spends one day each week at the Pierce College campuses, bringing UWT advising services to community college students. Last job: Adviser/recruiter for Eastern Washington University at Bellevue Community College. First impressions of UWT: “Wow, it’s changed. I grew up in Federal Way and was impressed by the revitalization of downtown Tacoma.” Stacy describes herself as a sucker for old buildings and enjoys the fact that the exteriors of the buildings have been preserved while the interiors were renovated. She also enjoys the community environment of UWT. Other interesting facts: When she started work at UWT, Stacy was Stacy Nelson – she married Drew Miller on July 14. Now that they are back from their honeymoon in Jamaica, the Millers will be attending Seahawks games with their season tickets. “I married a sports nut and as such, I am now a sports nut as well,” Stacy explains. Stacy also enjoys reading, baking and "attempting to be creative" as she put it.
	Alison Navarrete Program Administrator, Education, September 2007 You may have seen her: In the Education Program office Her job: Alison is responsible for day-to-day operations of the Education Program, including staff, budgets, grants and more. Previous work: Associate director of Academic Advising at Pacific Lutheran University First impressions of UWT: "I love working in downtown Tacoma. All the people here have been extremely friendly and welcoming." Other interesting facts: Alison has a bachelor's degree in child and family studies from Washington State University and an MBA from PLU. She lives in Buckley and says she loves working in higher education.
	Sharon Parker Assistant Chancellor for Equity and Diversity, February 2007 You may have seen her: In the GWP building. Her job: Sharon heads the Office of Equity and Diversity. Previous work: Sharon was an independent consultant to organizational leaders on their diversity initiatives. First impressions of UWT: “I was moved by the friendliness of staff and students, and the fact that people seem so engaged in their work here. I like the size of the campus too; it makes it possible to know people one-on-one and to affect institutional change to move us toward our goals for diversity. I also really resonate to the architectural style; I love openness and light all around.” Other interesting facts: Sharon says the Office for Equity and Diversity was created to help cultivate an institutional vision and commitment to diversity while ensuring an equitable environment for all members of the UWT community. Sharon says this means paying attention to policies and practices involving management, leadership, communication, resources, scholarship and community. It includes focusing attention on the demographic composition of UWT and the surrounding community to be certain that UWT knows who are our students, faculty, staff and community partners in order to better serve and work with all, she adds.
	Marcie Pierson Office Assistant, Urban Studies and International Programs, October 2006 You may have seen her: in WCG 223 Her job: Marcie acts as the first point of contact for students and performs clerical duties that help the program run smoothly. Marcie came to work at UWT after graduating from the IAS program in June of 2006. Last job: Office assistant in IAS and intern in the Teaching and Learning Center. First impressions of UWT: “I wanted to be in this environment. It’s a good place for me to grow intellectually and creatively.” Other interesting facts: Marcie lives with her husband in the north end of Tacoma. She has two sons; one is a freshman at Central Washington University and the other is a mission designer for a Seattle computer-gaming company. She enjoys gardening, photography and Tai Chi.
	Elise Ralph Assistant Vice Chancellor for Sponsored Research, September 2007 You may have seen her: In the GWP Building Her job: Elise helps faculty with all aspects of research, from finding grants to reviewing work. Last job: Oceanography program director at the National Science Foundation. First impressions of UWT: “I love it. There's a big 'can-do' attitude on campus that really impresses me.” Other interesting facts: Elise lives in Gig Harbor and says she's “passionate about the Green Bay Packers.”
	Kate Reinking Program Coordinator, Social Work, January 2007 You may have seen her: in WCG 203 Her job: Kate handles admissions and generally helps students in the program. She particularly enjoys the people she works with, and learning new aspects of the job. Last job: In the Dermatology Clinic at UW Medical Center and in Mechanical Engineering on the Seattle campus. First impressions of UWT: “I like the smaller environment. You seem to get to know people better here.” Other interesting facts: Kate studied theater and has a background in dance and singing. She is a graduate of the IAS Program.
	Travis Tremblay Copy/Mailing Services Assistant Manager, Copy/Mail Center, June 2007 You may have seen him: In WCG 105 His Job: Travis handles the mail, copying, and anything else that might come up at the Copy Center. He enjoys getting to meet so many different people on campus. Last job: Travis was a stay-at-home dad and ran his own web design company. First impressions of UWT: “It’s a very intimate, small campus. I like the old architecture.” Other interesting facts: Travis coaches soccer at Auburn and White River high schools. He has a seven-month-old son. His father, Milt Tremblay, is UWT's director of facilities.
	Tanya Ulsted Global Honors Program Administrator/Advisor, Global Honors, July 2007 You may have seen her: on the third floor of Cherry Parkes. Her job: Tanya recruits and advises students in the Global Honors program. She enjoys working in a growing program that offers opportunities for creative input. Last job: Tanya was most recently a stay-at-home mom. Previously, she was a graduate student at Oregon State University and an International Programs Graduate Assistant. First impressions of UWT: “Everyone seems to be really helpful. It’s a great community.” Other interesting facts: Tanya’s husband, Sam Loftin, works in Dual Enrollment. They have a 14-month-old daughter, Maya. Tanya also speaks Spanish and enjoys Salsa dancing.
	Veronika Vacek Administrative Assistant to the Dean, Milgard School of Business, September 2006 You may have seen her: in the Dougan Building. Her job: “There is no such thing as an average day,” Veronika says of her job. Fortunately, that’s what she likes about it. Her main responsibilities are working for Dean Shahrokh Saudagaran, working with faculty, scheduling events and information sessions and everything in between. First impressions of UWT: “It’s a great sense of community. There are always people willing to bend over backwards to help.” Other interesting facts: Veronika has dual citizenship in the U.S. and the Czech Republic, is bilingual in Czech and teaches ski lessons in the winter.
	Susan Wagshul-Golden Director of Campus Safety, Campus Safety, July 2007 You may have seen her: all over campus. Her job: Susan works with state and federal agencies, other colleges and universities, and campus security officers to create a safe and positive learning environment at UWT. She promotes workshops sponsored by campus safety and has been restructuring the department. “The team I have here is phenomenal,” Susan says. Last job: Police lieutenant with Hunter College in New York. First impressions of UWT: “I’m enjoying working at a university still in its creative stages.” Other interesting facts: Immediately after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Susan established a command center for disaster relief at Borough of Manhattan Community College. She is active in juvenile diabetes organizations.

Other new staff members include:

Breana Crist, Admissions Office Assistant, Enrollment Services
Michael Crosby, Research Analyst, Institutional Research and Planning
Marti Curtis, Program Coordinator, General Education Center
Bill Holliday, Maintenance Mechanic, Facilities
Tracey Norris, Office Assistant, Office of the Chancellor
Kelli Pearsall, Admissions Office Assistant, Enrollment Services
Michael Pedee, Security Officer, Campus Safety
Brian Tetreault, Student Services, Continuing Studies