“The favorite aspect of my job is the students and people I get to work with,” said Gretchen Grojean, Assistant Director for Operations at the University Center.
As Assistant Director for Operations Gretchen supervises the student employee staff, oversees operation of the Information Desk and ID Services, supervises University Scheduling, works with Chartwell's to maintain the food production equipment and coordinates maintenance of the University Center with Facilities Management. Additionally, she coordinates summer camps and conferences for the University and works with the rest of the University Center staff to provide programming, services and spaces for the University community.
In any given day Gretchen said she can talk to students about programming ideas and the classes they are taking, colleagues about how to improve a program or facility to better serve the campus, a Chartwell’s staff member about equipment problems or help a patron find the information they are looking for.
“Everyone’s perspectives and personalities are different,” Gretchen said. “No two days are the same, and building personal relationships with each individual with whom I come into contact challenges me to continue to learn, grow and change.”
The unique situation at Southeast Missouri State University has provided Gretchen the opportunity to try different careers at one university.
“Typically in my field,” Gretchen said “you have to move on to move up or try something new, as only one person does your specific job at the institution. Here I’ve been part of a team where we value cross training, discussing key issues as a staff, and working together on large projects and programs.”
Gretchen started out her career at Southeast as Assistant Director for Student Involvement with her primary responsibility in Programming and Leadership. In 2001 she kept the same title but switched her focus to Greek Life, and then in December 2004 Gretchen became the Assistant Director for Operations.
Gretchen also likes the atmosphere at Southeast. It has the small college feel she enjoyed at her undergraduate institution, Eureka College, but still has the openings to experience different aspects of Higher Education. The people at Southeast also make the school enjoyable.
“The University encourages your involvement in professional and civic organizations and I know my colleagues are there to support me in my personal life as well,” Gretchen said.
During her time away from Southeast Gretchen enjoys cooking, keeping in touch with her far flung family and friends and reading. “I read a lot,” Gretchen said, “anything from the classics to mysteries, but I will admit to a weakness for the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich. There is nothing intellectually stimulating about them but they are absolutely hilarious!”
Another favorite relaxation activity for Gretchen is hitting the Southern Illinois wine trail with her friends. Gretchen earned a Master of Science in Education, with specialization in Higher Education: College Student Development from Southern IL Univ. Carbondale.
While at SIU, Gretchen learned “there are lots of great little wineries tucked in woods and perched on hills throughout Southern Illinois and Southeast Missouri. Taking a car load of friends and appreciating the views along the way is a perfect way to spend a Saturday.”
Getting out and experiencing her surroundings is something Gretchen is both grateful she did in college and something she encourages current and future students to do. She says to join an academic or social club, attend leadership training sessions, be Greek, play intramurals, help plan programs with SAC, try out for a play or if there is nothing already established that you enjoy, start something new.
“Not only does getting involved help you make friends, provide an outlet for creativity or stress and increase your personal satisfaction level, but it gives you a place to practice classroom knowledge and leadership skills,” Gretchen said. “Employers want more than just a degree; they want evidence of applied skills. They also want their employees to be active in their communities.”
For academic success Gretchen tells students to go to class. “It is the simplest thing you can do to raise your grades and create an impression on your professor,” she said.