When Christie Renner graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in 1994, she was the first in her family to ever receive a college diploma. Being a first generation graduate, she says, has caused her to realize how important education really is.
Now, as the executive assistant to the assistant to the president at Southeast, she is a vital part of an organization that does all it can to ensure its students graduate with invaluable experience behind them and great success in their futures.
Christie said her parents encouraged her to continue her education after high school because they understood the importance of education. Following her parents’ advice, Christie earned a bachelor of science in business administration degree with a major in marketing in 1994, and she began working in the College of Education advising office immediately after. She rose through the ranks and moved to the President’s Office in 2009.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work in many areas of the University. I came to appreciate the day-to-day operations of the institution, which provide students a place to complete their education and fulfill their dreams,” Christie said.
Serving in an administrative support-type position, Christie often is the first contact for students, parents, faculty, staff or community members who need assistance.
“I am very customer-oriented and feel it is important to do everything you can to help others,” Christie said. “I have always thought of my job as a big jig-saw puzzle, juggling different job assignments and putting the ‘pieces’ together to get the job done!”
Christie said one of her more memorable responsibilities at Southeast was providing administrative support to the River Campus Board of Managers during the planning, development and construction of the River Campus, seeing it transform from a vision to a reality.
The people Christie encounters in her job, whether they are colleagues, students or parents, make her job even more enjoyable, she says.
“I enjoy working with students in my office and serving as their mentor when needed, and I have developed many friendships with my colleagues,” Christie said.
Christie spends her free time doing many different activities. Some of her hobbies include making greeting cards, stamping, scrapbooking, shopping, decorating, watching St. Louis Cardinals games, golfing and spending time with her family and friends.
Christie says volunteering with her church is very meaningful to her.
“I serve as a Stephen Minister through my church, visiting the nursing home regularly and providing spiritual care to my assigned care receiver. I think it is important to be happy with the work you do and to give back to others,” Christie said.
Christie encourages Southeast students to get involved in as many activities as they can handle in order to make the most out of their college experience.
“I regret not getting more involved with campus activities and organizations when I was a student. As an employee, I have tried to get involved as much as I can outside my workload. It’s important to get involved in any opportunity or experience that is available,” Christie said.