Photo courtesy of: Classified SenateL-R: Stephanie Johnson, administrative services associate; Jane Boney, Dr. Randy Leite, College of Health Sciences and Professions dean; Dr. Dhiraj Vattem, director of the School of Applied Health Sciences and Wellness

Compass features a Q&A with the non-bargaining Classified Employee of the Month. Each month, Classified Senate selects an employee to acknowledge and recognize as someone who is setting high standards for excellence and innovation. The monthly feature, titled "Great Job," provides a glimpse into the honoree's life on and off campus.

How surprised were you to win the Employee of the Month award?

Very surprised! I had no clue. What a feel good moment when I saw them all walk into my office.

What is your job title and how long have you worked it?

I’m an administrative specialist and I’ve been here more than 26 years.

What are the most enjoyable things about your job?

Crunching numbers, organizing things, getting to chat with other employees across campus.

What is your hometown and where do you live now?

Nelsonville, Ohio, and I currently live just outside of town.

What are your long-term goals?

Retirement and traveling to see more cool places on this earth.

What was the last good book you read?

The “50 Shades” trilogy. I have several on my Kindle that I need to just find the time to chill and read.

If you weren’t in your present job, you would be working as a ______?

I’m not sure. My childhood dream was to own a flower shop and make beautiful arrangements. Maybe I’ll get the chance someday after I retire. I’ll do that or volunteer helping local stray animals find homes.

What things in life are the most important to you?

My husband, son, grandson and furbabies.

Where is your favorite vacation destination?

I’ve been to quite a few places, thanks to my husband serving in the Army. I would have to say I love the ocean best.

What are your hobbies?

Gardening, watching my grandson wrestle and swim, meeting up with old friends, going to concerts and watching Ohio State and Bengals football games.

What is something that most people don’t know about you?

I can wiggle my ears and I have an awesome witch laugh.I used to scare my son and great nieces with it when they were little. Now I use it with my grandson. They were never really scared … the memories of their screams of laughter are still priceless to me.

What are your favorite TV shows?

“The Walking Dead” is my current favorite. I enjoy “Forensic Files” and anything on the ID Channel. I also enjoy, “The Voice” and “Big Bang Theory.” I miss the old sitcoms and variety shows from the 1970s.

Who are your favorite musicians?

Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, Journey, Bon Jovi, Def Leppard and Madonna, but I enjoy a variety of music genres.

What is the next big event you can't wait for?

Going on a Southern Caribbean cruise in June. I can’t wait, because it will be a fun vacation on the ocean with my husband and good friends.

Who are your favorite celebrities?

Oh, I have so many. I will say that David Cassidy was my first celebrity crush.

Who are the most annoying celebrities?

Most politicians. I’ll plead the Fifth on which one I like the least.

What is your dream car/truck/SUV?

A red Ford Mustang. I have a Hot Wheels version, but maybe someday I’ll get the real deal.

What is your favorite saying or quote?

“You don’t stop laughing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop laughing.”