What area do you work in within the VPFA portfolio?
CPFM (Campus Planning and Facilities Management) Design & Construction

What is your current position, and what are your job responsibilities?
Records Coordinator. I manage Capital Construction project documents. This means that I am responsible for uploading, organizing, and maintaining consistent record keeping.

What has been your career path; how did you end up in your current position?
Right after graduation from high school, I received an internship to work at the Oregon Department of Transportation. I was accepted to the University of Southern California but my plans changed when I got the news that I was pregnant with my son, Devante. My mindset changed drastically and I decided to stay with ODOT, and I attended Lane Community College in the evenings. ODOT provided classes that made me eligible for internal promotions. I spent 13 years at ODOT where my final position was Project Manager. I worked in the highway maintenance department and I was interested in the construction industry. I was interested in opportunities for advancement in the construction field. In 2006, I joined the University of Oregon as the Construction Records Coordinator.

What obstacles have you overcome in your career? 
Being a single parent for the first 7 years of my career was hard. At that time, working and attending school was a struggle, but the benefit in the long run has been amazing. 

 

What do you like about your current position? 
I am a people person. In my position, I work with many people within CPFM and across campus. I like to get to know others and this position allows me to do that.

 

When I was hired, IT staff had just converted all of the MicroStation files to AutoCAD, and the migration did not work well. For example, AutoCAD showed doors floating and walls not touching. Our Bookplans (or floor plans), which are a compilation of AutoCAD drawings, were a mess. I thought, “Oh no, what did I get myself in to?” But I knew it was a task I could take on and enjoy. I walked the campus with two students and we verified buildings, doors, walls, and other things to clean up the Bookplans. I can now say the Bookplans look much better. The UO has over two million square feet of constructed space. Correcting these drawings was a huge task.

 

What advice do you have for others; what secrets would you share for someone thinking of applying to the UO? 
This world is forever changing and advancing. Always have an open mind, especially with changes. Be open to improve, for your department and for yourself.

 

Share a little about yourself personally:

That I am a loyal, outgoing person that would help anyone in need.

 

If you could have the answer to any question, what would it be? 
Will I enjoy retirement?

(February 2020)