This month’s staff spotlight is dedicated to acknowledging our hardworking administrative professionals. We’ve profiled a few of our outstanding department administrators here so you have an opportunity to get to know them a little better. Please remember to mark your calendar for Administrative Professionals Day on April 22, and thank your department administrator for all the work they do behind the scenes to keep the University running smoothly.
Jennifer Washington
Business Officer
Romance Studies
1 year of service
Please tell us a little about your background before coming to Carolina.
I came to UNC in late 2013 from UNC Wilmington, where I served as a Business Coordinator for Business Affairs. Before that I was in the United States Navy, which were some of the best years of my life.
What is your favorite part of working at Carolina?
My favorite part of working at Carolina is the pride that people have here. Also my office is truly great. It doesn’t feel like work which of course is the goal.
If you could change one thing about Carolina, what would it be?
Carolina is a great school. I think if I could change one thing it wold be the administrative processes at Carolina. Also the fact that the administrative bands are some of the lowest paid considering the amount of work these dedicated people do.
Tell us one-three things about you that your co-workers aren’t likely to know.
I have a twin sister who lives in Charlotte.
I love to bake muffins.
I have a serious obsession with the entire Marvel Universe.
If you could choose one administrative assistant from pop culture (television, movies, etc.) to draw inspiration from, who would it be?
Michel Gerard, played by Yanic Truesdale on Gilmore girls. He takes pride in his work and makes me laugh.
Paula Goodman
Department Manager
Undergraduate Education
6 years of service
Please tell us a little about your background before coming to Carolina.
Right before I came to work here, I was working for Pinellas County Emergency Management That particular position was my first “management” position. I was responsible for all departmental accounting, human resources, and payroll, as well as supervising volunteers and staff members. While working there, I finished my Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources at Barry University. Prior to that I had jobs in various administrative roles from medical to the recruiting industries.
What is your favorite part of working at Carolina?
There are so many, its really hard to name just one. However, if I had to narrow it down I would say what I tell my friends, “I have been a Tar Heel fan most of my life. Now, I get paid to be a Tar Heel! ”
If you could change one thing about Carolina, what would it be?
I would have to say that I would like to see more equal treatment for SPA employees. I feel as though sometimes SPA staff feel as though they are not as important as EPA.
Tell us one-three things about you that your co-workers aren’t likely to know.
I am a kidney cancer survivor since 2007!
I am a single parent and worked while raising my two children as well as putting myself through college to earn my bachelor’s degree.
I like to crochet!
If you could choose one administrative assistant from pop culture (television, movies, etc.) to draw inspiration from, who would it be?
Matt LeBlanc, aka Joey from Friends.
Shamecia Powers
Business Manager
Anthropology
1 year 3 months of service
Please tell us a little about your background before coming to Carolina.
My love for Carolina developed during my time as an undergraduate student (class of ’05). After graduation, I entered a dual master’s program at Georgia State University and received my MBA in May 2006, and my MHA in December 2006. After working as the manager of a legal services clinic at Georgia State, I returned to UNC in December 2013 to take the reins in the department of anthropology.
What is your favorite part of working at Carolina?
I equally enjoy the beautiful campus and the amazing people.
If you could change one thing about Carolina, what would it be?
I would make it spring year-round.
Tell us one-three things about you that your co-workers aren’t likely to know.
I have recently taken up quilting.
Katherine A. Max
Executive Assistant
Diversity & Multicultural Affairs
2 years of service
Please tell us a little about your background before coming to Carolina.
Before coming to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, I worked in the corporate industry for many years as an office manager and executive assistant for pharmaceutical and telecommunication companies. In that capacity, I supported executives, engineers, and lobbyists. I received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from North Carolina Central University. I am a Notary Public.
What is your favorite part of working at Carolina?
Meeting so many bright and intelligent young people from different backgrounds. I enjoy being a part of their day to assist in any way possible.
If you could change one thing about Carolina, what would it be?
The traffic and parking.
Tell us one-three things about you that your co-workers aren’t likely to know.
My favorite comedy television show is The Big Bang Theory.
My favorite movie is Now Voyager.
My favorite television drama is Empire.
If you could choose one administrative assistant from pop culture (television, movies, etc.) to draw inspiration from, who would it be?
Andrea Sachs from The Devil Wears Prada.