Photo courtesy of: Leanna AterLeanna Ater

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?

Super surprised! My coworkers were very good at keeping the secret!

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

I’m a records management specialist in the Chillicothe Campus Financial Aid Office. I’ve been in this position for two and a half years.

What are the most enjoyable things about your job?

I love working with students and being able to watch them grow and succeed. Also, my coworkers are amazing and make coming to work every day so enjoyable.

What is your hometown and where do you live now?

My hometown is Chillicothe, Ohio, and that’s where I am still living.

What are your long-term goals?

I would eventually like to continue to advance in my role and become an even better advocate for our students. I’m not sure what position that may land me in, but luckily there are a lot of options and opportunities in higher education.

What was the last good book you read?

It was “Hillbilly Elegy.” Everyone who works at Ohio University should read this book because it highlights Appalachian culture. Even though I’ve lived in Appalachia my entire life, it opened up my eyes to different things our students may be experiencing.

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

Does a stay-at-home dog mom count? Okay, probably not, but maybe I would be a small business owner or fashion consultant. It seems fun and exciting.

What things in life are the most important to you?

Definitely my family, my partner Jeff, and my fur babies. Don’t forget the pizza and tacos though.

Where is your favorite vacation destination?

I love any vacation, but Nashville has probably been my favorite. I’ve been a couple of times and it’s always so much fun with all the music and festivals.

What are your hobbies?

Board games, reading, Netflix, kayaking and antiquing

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

I am very much an introvert and a homebody, but I’ve learned how to be an extrovert in most situations.

What are your favorite TV shows?

Right now I’m loving the new season of “American Horror Story,” but also “Game of Thrones,” “Law and Order: SVU” and “Scandal.”

Who are your favorite musicians?

That’s easy, Luke Bryan and Garth Brooks are my absolute favorites. I’ve seen them both in concert many times.

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

All of the upcoming holidays, because this is my most favorite time of the year. I also will be having a long weekend in Hocking Hills in November.

Who are your favorite celebrities?

Rachel McAdams is probably my favorite because she plays each role so well. A lot of them are extremely different and she also seems to be a good role model.

Who are the most annoying celebrities?

Anyone who doesn’t use their position in a positive way, such as contributing to charities or being a voice for those who don’t have one.

What is your dream car/truck/SUV?

I love the my a lime green Jeep Renegade.

What is your favorite saying or quote?

Dreams don’t work unless you do.

Photo courtesy of: Classified SenateClassified Senate members present Leanna Ater with August award (L-R): Nancy Vandeman, Adam Grimm, Leanna Ater, Heather Gould, Dana Wright