September 2006• 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, 2005. The list does not include hourly or temporary workers. Former hourly workers who were hired into a permanent position this year are included.

New faculty will be profiled in the October edition of Inside Track.

	Jim Coolsen Special Assistant to the Chancellor, February 2006 You may have seen him: On the third floor of the GWP building. His job: Jim has supervisory responsibility for enrollment management, strategic planning, institutional research and planning, academic space and more. Previously, he spent 38 years at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania. First impressions of UWT: “I'm excited about its opportunities and potential and the enthusiasm, pleasantness and ability of the staff, administration and faculty.” Other interesting facts: He is married and has five children and seven grandchildren; he enjoys golf, exercise, hiking, birds, the Washington Redskins, tennis and basketball.
	Alice Dixon Program coordinator, Enrollment Services, November, 2005 You may have seen her: In the Enrollment Services suite. Her job: Alice processes undergraduate applications. She came to UW Tacoma from UW Seattle. First impressions of UWT: “I like the commute from my house (in Tacoma) and working on a smaller campus, where you feel more in tune with the activities and processes on campus.” Other interesting facts: She enjoys photography and traveling.
	Mark Dodson Special Projects Coordinator, Student Life, July 2006 You may have seen him: Where haven't you seen him? Mark has been a UWT student and ASUWT leader and has worked in the Copy Center. His job: Mark provides administrative support and assists emerging programs within Student Life. He also hires and trains student orientation leaders and is developing a peer advising program. First impressions of UWT: “I enjoy the energy, spirit, and drive to succeed that emanate from UW Tacoma. It has pushed me into being a better person.” Other interesting facts: He swears he will walk across the Commencement stage this year — “no matter what.”
	Noah Down Freshman Recruiter, Admissions Advising & Outreach, May 2006 You may have seen him: At a UWT recruiting event. His job: Noah is the lead recruiter of UWT freshmen. He previously worked at Cornish College of the Arts. First impressions of UWT: “The people.”
	Melody Ferguson Admissions Adviser, Admissions Advising and Outreach, January 2006 You may have seen her: At a UW Tacoma recruiting event. Her job: Melody advises and recruits prospective students to UW Tacoma. She previously worked in First Year Programs at UW Seattle. First impressions of UWT: “I love the small, urban campus environment and the great colleagues I get to work with. I was born and raised in this area, and that helps me connect with the students I talk to on a daily basis.” Other interesting facts: She is currently on maternity leave to care for her first son, Caden. Her husband is a middle-school teacher in Federal Way. She is pursuing her master’s in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at UW Seattle.
	Ann Gagner Program Assistant, Advancement, September 2006 You may have seen her: In the Advancement office. Her job: Gift processing and acknowledgement; general office support. First impressions of UWT: “I love the people on my team and the exciting and invigorating environment at the University as a whole.” Other interesting facts: Ann has worked as a temporary employee in Advancement since 2004. She has six grown children and 15 grandchildren. She enjoys quilting, reading, gardening and golf. Retirement, she says, is “definitely not what it's cracked up to be.”
	Kathi D. Gibbons Undergraduate Adviser, Institute of Technology, July 2006 You may have seen her: At the Institute of Technology recruiting table at UWT’s monthly information session in the GWP atrium. Her job: Kathi recruits and advises CSS students. Previously, she worked at Nektar Therapeutics in Huntsville, Ala. First impressions of UWT: “I like being part of a community that inspires and encourages others along the path of self-fulfillment.” Other interesting facts: She loves to travel and says she is “blessed with a wonderful husband.” She dislikes sweeping generalizations and values authentic communication.
	Tamara Grunhurd Recruiter and adviser, Milgard School of Business, December 2005 You may have seen her: At a Milgard School recruiting event. Her job: Tamara recruits and advises business students. First impressions of UWT: “I enjoy the community — great colleagues, eager students — and the opportunities for learning and growth available to employees. I'm happy that our campus is a shining, beautiful and award-winning example of sustainable design, and I love the ten-minute commute from home!” Other interesting facts: She works part-time as an associate editor at REI and lives in Tacoma's North End with her partner, Ellyn, three cats and a dog. She also enjoys singing and playing hand percussion and hopes to pursue a master's degree.
	Ingrid Horakova Instructional Consultant, CTLT, October 2005 You may have seen her: Helping students in the CTLT. Her job: Ingrid tutors students in math and science. First impressions of UWT: “I really appreciate the nice people I have around me.” Other interesting facts: Her last job was at the Bratislava Stock Exchange in Slovakia. She believes math is “special and beautiful” and wants to share her love of the subject with others.
	Nathan Ketzner Office Assistant, Enrollment Services, July 2006 You may have seen him: At the Enrollment Services front desk. His job: He answers questions about UWT and helps students with registration issues. He previously worked part-time in the CTLT and for Buzzard’s CD/Stadium Video. First impressions of UWT: “I enjoy my co-workers and the staff/faculty community.” Other interesting facts: A 2004 graduate of the IAS program, Nathan is an avid fan of movies, comics and music.
	Kelly Kledzik Office Assistant, Milgard School of Business, July 2006 You may have seen her: At the front desk of the Milgard School of Business offices. Her job: She helps support faculty, coordinates the department’s Writing Skills Assessment, helps with admissions, sets up advising appointments and answers students’ questions. First impressions of UWT: “The people here are great.” Other things to know about Kelly: When she's not working, she volunteers at her daughter's school. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Pacific Lutheran University and is considering pursuing another degree soon.
	Jan Leonard Executive Assistant, Advancement, March 2006 You may have seen her: At the front desk in the Advancement office. Her job: Jan supports the Vice Chancellor for Advancement and the Director of Public Relations and Communications, working with donors and on fundraising and special events. First impressions of UWT: “I enjoy working in a college campus environment.” Other interesting facts: She has four adult children; her two youngest are currently college seniors majoring in biology, one at UW Seattle and one at the University of Puget Sound. She lives with her significant other, three horses, two dogs and two cats on five acres in Olympia. She enjoys riding horses, gardening and cruising in her sailboat.
	Derek Levy Interim Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, August 2006 You may have seen him: In the Mattress Factory building. His job: Derek is responsible for all functions within the Office of Student Life, including the Student Counseling Center, Career Development Center, Disability Support Services, student government and Student Life organizations and activities, health and wellness and the Student Conduct Code. First impressions of UWT: “I like the people I work with.” Other interesting facts: He and his wife have two sons; the oldest just started kindergarten.
	Paul Lovelady Digital Media Specialist, CTLT, November 2005 You may have seen him: Operating one of UW Tacoma’s video cameras at Commencement or filming on campus. His job: Paul produces multimedia materials with an emphasis on digital video production, streaming media and graphics. He also coordinates the Multimedia Lab. Before coming to UWT, he worked at Tacoma General Hospital for 15 years. First impressions of UWT: “UWT attracts a great convergence of people, ideas and experiences every day. There is always something to learn!” Other interesting facts: He is a 2001 graduate of the IAS program; his oldest daughter, Ryan, will be part of UWT’s first freshman class this fall. He and his wife, Lanette, have another daughter, Cecilia, who is in third grade.
	Michael McMillan Office Assistant, Key Bank Professional Development Center, March 2006 You may have seen him: At one of the Professional Development Center's many technology classes or special events. His job: Michael handles student services for all of the Professional Development Center's continuing education programs in technology and manages the Office of Continuing Studies Web site. First impressions of UWT: “I enjoy the people I work with.”
	Anna Mertz Coordinator, Student Affairs, October 2005 You may have seen her: At the Student Affairs front desk. Her job: Anna is responsible for the general administration of Student Affairs. She provides administrative support, helps coordinate special projects and maintains budgets and the departmental Web site. First impressions of UWT: “I like the people and being part of a growing campus community.” Other interesting facts: She is a 2003 graduate of the IAS program and started working on the UWT campus as a temporary employee in Disability Support Services in 2001.
	Scott Pinkston Alumni Relations & Annual Fund Manager, Advancement, July 2006 You may have seen him: On the fourth floor of the GWP building. His job: Scott is responsible for creating programs and events for alumni and increasing their support of UW Tacoma. He was previously director of alumni relations at the Evergreen State College in Olympia. First impressions of UWT: “It's very exciting to be part of such a positive and dynamic changing force in the Tacoma community, and to join such a talented, dedicated and professional staff and faculty.” Other interesting facts: He and his wife, Tara, have a daughter, Katrina. He enjoys hiking, mountain climbing and traveling. He hopes to earn an MBA from the Milgard School of Business.
	Jim Posey Director of Institutional Research and Planning, June 2006 You may have seen him: On the third floor of the GWP building. His job: He advances the understanding, planning, operation, evaluation, and improvement of the University by transforming raw data into value-added information that is consistent, accurate, accessible, and easily understandable. First impressions of UWT: “I enjoy the friendly and dedicated staff, as well as the opportunity to contribute to UW Tacoma's bright future.” Other interesting facts: He says you’ll have to have lunch with him if you want to learn more.
	Chris Rials Graduate Adviser, Institute of Technology, October 2005 Her job: She recruits and advises prospective and current graduate students in the Computing and Software Systems program. She also collaborates with undergraduate CSS advisers regarding recruiting, retaining and graduating students. First impressions of UWT: “I have enjoyed working with various people on campus and look forward to working with the new Institute team.” Other interesting facts: She’s been married for over 10 years and has two kids – her greyhounds, Sam and Meg. She came to Washington from Charleston, S.C.
	Sandy Sarr Public Relations and Marketing Manager, Advancement, September 2005 You may have seen her: Interviewing students, staff or faculty. Her job: Sandy is responsible for marketing, Web content, Terrain, media relations and advertising. First impressions of UWT: “It’s a friendly, energetic and talent-filled environment that’s conducive to great work.” Interesting facts: Sandy has worked for six colleges. As a writer, she has interviewed many fascinating people, including one U.S. President. She founded the Franciscan Hospice Story Catchers Program, teaching college students how to write the life stories of patients. She and husband, Pete, have two daughters—Monica, a glass artist in Seattle, and Casey, a freshman at Lewis & Clark College.
	Susie Shields Adviser, Institute of Technology, August 2006 You may have seen her: In the Pinkerton Building. Her job: She advises and recruits freshmen and dual-admission students in CSS and manages the Institute’s K-12 programs. First impressions of UWT: “The people I work with are very personable, knowledgeable, and helpful. I look forward to interaction with students this fall!” Other interesting facts: Her husband is a Seattle firefighter. She hopes to write two books: one on churches evolving into cults and another on women who break the cycles of their mothers' influence.
	Ysabel Trinidad Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services, September 2006 You may have seen her: In the Mattress Factory building. Her job: Ysabel is responsible for campus administrative functions, including operations, facilities, security and finance. First impressions of UWT: “I love it! I like the urban nature, the architecture, the renovated facilities and the community of folks I've met. This is really an enjoyable and exciting place to be.” Other interesting facts: Ysabel spent the past dozen years working in Texas. Originally from California, she says she's glad to be “back where there's fresh seafood and vegetables!”
	Maria Trujillo Program Assistant, IAS, February 2006 You may have seen her: At the front desk of the IAS offices. Her job: Maria serves as a primary point of contact for IAS students and faculty and other campus units. First impressions of UWT: “I like having everyday contact with students and faculty, and being able to help out students with their academic needs. I also love the IAS staff!” Other things to know about Maria: She is a 2004 graduate of the IAS program and is currently working on her master's degree. She is writing her thesis on the impacts of the WASL on the Latino student population.
	Alina Urbanec Program Administrator, Institute of Technology, July 2006 You may have seen her: In the Pinkerton building. Her job: Alina supervises all administrative aspects of the department and leads the administrative and office support, fiscal development and student development staff. First impressions of UWT: “I enjoy being part of something that is evolving. The feel and energy of being in the heart of Tacoma and working with students is great. I value the people I am working with at the Institute and those I have met on campus.” Other interesting facts: She enjoys meeting people, reading, gardening, kayaking, museums, golfing, learning and travel.
	Jane M. Wood Program Administrator, Education, September 2006 You may have seen her: Being introduced to the UWT community on her first day at work this week. Her job: She manages budgets and day-to-day operations of the program, leads the Education office staff and provides grant support to faculty and general support to the director. First impressions of UWT: “For many years I've watched enviously as UWT grew in size and scope and became both a community partner and steward. It is a vibrant place that exudes energy, creativity and imagination. I've been continually amazed by new faces, places and programs every time I've visited the campus.” Other interesting facts: Jane has taught criminal justice, juvenile justice and management at several local community colleges. She has also been a researcher and auditor in the state Department of Social and Health Services.

Other new staff (no photo or bio available):

Bill Fritz, Computer Support Analyst/Programmer, Computer Services
Jamie Kelly, Office Assistant, Faculty Assembly (started Sept. 18, 2006)
Alicia Lewis, Student Affairs Specialist, Student Affairs (started Sept. 14, 2006)
Kevin Miller, Security Officer, Campus Safety
Nancye Tsapralis, Program Coordinator, General Education Center (started Sept. 18, 2006)
Ling Yeh, Coordinator, Diversity Resource Center (currently on maternity leave)