Each Thursday, we focus on one med center employee. Today we meet:
- Name: Gwen Porter
- Hometown: Pierce, Neb.
- No. of years at UNMC: Six
Tell us about what you do here at UNMC.
I am the office associate for the College of Nursing Northern Division in Norfolk. On March 1, 2010, I joined forces with a few existing employees of our division on the Northeast Community College campus in the Lifelong Learning Center (our temporary office).
In August 2010, we welcomed the first class of students to our new building and classrooms. My responsibilities include supporting our assistant dean, along with the faculty and staff, with travel, reimbursement and desk copies, along with many other administrative tasks. Keycards, photo ID badges and planning meetings, along with student events, keep my days busy.
Accountability is one of UNMC’s ITEACH values. Tell us of a time you witnessed a person or group at UNMC exhibit this value.
This past year I was part of the General Staff Organization (GSO) Steering Committee and engaged with a group of individuals who were very accountable for the planning of our GSO meetings.
These meetings strived to connect staff in the College of Nursing to current information, updates and educational opportunities to help each employee grow in their current position. Beyond the goals that we agreed on as a team, there was a unified plan and the group was accountable to all other staff to do our best to complete these goals.
What is your favorite summer activity?
I love summer and always have! I enjoy many things about it: going to my son’s baseball games, walking our dog “Gracie” in the evenings, watering my flowers, no homework to assist my son with and the warm weather which never includes icy roads to travel.
List three things people may not know about you.
- I have played piano since kindergarten. I have played for my high school choir, worship teams and weddings, but mostly for myself.
- I used to be a cosmetologist (hair stylist) years ago. I still save money for my immediate family — no need to go for a haircut when you live with a stylist!
- I am a proud “GiGi” (that means Grandma) to one special little boy who will be welcoming a brother/sister in December.