What area do you work in the VPFA Portfolio?
CPFM (Campus Planning & Facilities Management) – Design and Construction
What is your current position, and what are your job responsibilities?
My current position is Accountant II for Capital Projects. I work with the Owners Representatives, Project Managers, and the Business Operations Manager to monitor and reconcile capital project budgets.
What obstacles have you overcome in your career?
I started out at the UO as an office assistant in 1997, and realized I had an aptitude for accounting. Unfortunately, I did not have enough credit hours in accounting to qualify for an accountant position at the UO. While continuing to work full time, I went back to school to finish my degree and get the necessary credit hours in accounting. My son was very young at that time, and I was also running a small horse breeding program. I had many sleepless nights, but I achieved my goal.
How has the UO enabled your professional career goals?
My first position at the UO was in the basement of Johnson Hall, in what was at that time called the Office of Resource Management. My supervisor and co-workers recognized and encouraged my skills in accounting. Additionally, I received mentoring which gave me the confidence to get the education and work skills I needed to achieve my goal of qualifying for an accountant position at the UO.
What do you like about your current position?
I transferred to Capital Construction in 2007 (now Design & Construction). I like being part of the building or renovation process; there are tangible results. New and renovated buildings improve the look of campus and enhance the facilities the UO provides for students, faculty, and researchers. As an added bonus, I have some amazing co-workers.
What advice would you have for others? What secrets would you share for someone thinking of apply to the UO?
Research UO’s structure including the different departments, schools and colleges. Talk to people who currently work here, if you can.
Share a little bit about yourself:
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Family: Two grown children, a dog, and three horses.
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Favorite recent book: The Island of Sea Women, by Lisa See
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Favorite Food: Sushi
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Favorite time: Sunrise
If you could take only three items with you to a deserted island what would they be?
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Leatherman pocket knife
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BFF (my dog)
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Yoga mat
(January 2021)