Joy Wilson, the Administrative Manager of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, after 30 years and 11 months of service, is retiring from the College and beginning a new journey–literally!

Brian Cummings, PBS Department Head, cites Joy’s professionalism as a true attribute that has benefitted the College. “I have worked with Joy for more than 17 years and feel that she sets the standard for professionalism and integrity in the work place.”  He also credits Joy for consistently and accurately presenting staff concerns and views. “Joy has always been an outstanding voice about how decisions regarding college and department operations can impact the staff.”  Dr. Cummings remembers first interacting with Joy, who was the Graduate Program Specialist at the time, when he was a new Assistant Professor and served on the PBS Graduate Student Committee. “I have always felt that Joy was one of the best in that position.  She set the bar for how to advocate for the students’ views and to assure that our mission to train them always was paramount.”  He states that this initial experience was key to his learning exactly how valuable staff are to the success of the Department and College.

Read the following Q & A interview to discover Joy’s next adventure!

When did you start at the College?

I started in January of 1990, and I was only 20 years old.  Judy Bates, my old boss, called me on January 2 or 3 about the interview – my application evidently came in just before they offered the position to someone else.  We scheduled an interview for later that week.  When I came in for the interview, I met with Judy and Dr. Randy Tackett, who was the Department Head for Pharmacology & Toxicology at the time.  I started to work that same day!   This has been my only full-time/career job.

What were the various positions you held?

I believe I was initially hired as a Word Processor Secretarial, but I have changed titles many times.  I believe I was a Senior Secretary, Graduate Coordinator’s Assistant, and finished with Administrative Manager.  I’m sure I’m missing several titles!  I was VERY fortunate to work with a supervisor who acknowledged my good work by promoting me.

Who was a mentor to you at the College of Pharmacy?

Judy Bates, my previous boss, was a HUGE mentor to me.  She was always understanding and treated me the way she expected to be treated.  I feel that most of my supervisory skills came from her.  We worked together for 17 years.

What was your most indelible memory?

The one memory that stands out the most is the day Sue Foley, the Dean’s Secretary, called because one of our graduate students had walked through the glass window in the lobby.  He entered the first door from outside, turned left immediately, walked through the glass, and kept on going.  He was perfectly fine other than his glasses were broken, but he was late for class so he kept right on going. After class, he came by to see how much money he had to pay to fix the window.  Of course, we didn’t make him!  That’s also why there are etched circles on the glass in the lobby!

What was your favorite part of your job?

The people with whom I’ve worked.  My staff, faculty, and students have made this a place that I’ve wanted to come back to every day.

What will you miss the most?

I will miss the people the most!!  My co-workers, my staff, faculty, and our graduate students!!

What do you want to be remembered for?

This is a tough one because it’s hard for me to talk about myself!  I guess I want people to remember that I always gave 110%.  The College has been my life, and I’ve always been proud of being a part of it.  I’ve poured myself into every job I’ve ever held.  I’ve been told I’m a good listener. I have always had the attitude that my door is always open and that I’m always there when needed.  I fix things!

What do you plan to do in retirement? 

We [she and her wife, Sonya] plan to travel.  We leave a week after my retirement for a two-month trip to visit my mother-in-law in Northern California for the holidays. And we’re going to travel in our new camper!  Once we get there, fresh crab legs will be on the menu!!

Joy… your beautiful smile and warm spirit of collegiality will be sorely missed.  Best wishes on your next journey!  Happy Trails!


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