Meet Stephanie Johnson, January Classified Employee of the Month

The purpose of the Non-bargaining Classified Employee of the Month award is to acknowledge and recognize those who are setting the standards for excellence and innovation at Ohio University.

This recognition is Classified Senate’s way of awarding those employees who have shown outstanding individual achievement and performance of their jobs, while inspiring and supporting the achievement of others. Criteria include:

• Positive attitude and serving as a role model
• Productivity and commitment to quality
• Initiative and taking on additional responsibilities

The January 2020 recipient is Stephanie Johnson, an administrative specialist in the Department of Interdisciplinary Health Studies. She was nominated by her supervisor, Tobe Gillogly, chair of IHS.

These are a few of the comments Gillogly made about Johnson:

Stephanie is helping us develop a student and faculty spotlight and online presence to better ensure a connection between Department of Interdisciplinary Health Studies faculty and students. She also helped organize an outreach with Veterans Affairs in December to raise funds to purchase gifts for children of Athens County veterans.

A majority of IHS undergraduate and graduate students are based online, thus Stephanie helps facilitate communication between the department, the students, and faculty. She has accomplished this by collaborating with me in developing an Operations Manual for the department that addresses policies and procedures for IHS that best meet students’ needs. 

We are offering unique graduate certificates that several non-traditional students take, so it is essential that we meet the needs of those students who may not have familiarity with enrollment and online courses. Stephanie fields those inquiries and addresses their needs or connects them with the appropriate entities who can provide further assistance.

Stephanie is key in organizing our yearly retreats with faculty attending on campus and online. She assists with IHS offerings such as graduate workshops and represents the department in various student outreach opportunities. She also helps facilitate effective faculty communication, ensures that students are well informed and provides much needed support.

These are Johnson’s answers to some get-to-know-you questions:

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

I was super surprised, and I am very thankful. However, I knew my boss was up to something when she asked me to come help her with something. She has a terrible poker face, but we are a lot alike in that aspect.

How long have you worked at your job?

I have been in this position since August 2018. I have worked at OHIO since September 2012.

What are the most enjoyable things about your job?

The most enjoyable things about my job are the people I work with and the students we work for. Having a job you love and good people to work with makes it easy to come to work each day.

What is your hometown and where do you live now?

My hometown is Racine, Ohio, and I still live there.

What was the last good book you read?

Honestly, it has been so long since I have had time to sit down and read a good book. I have been reading a magazine about Walt Disney and the history of Walt Disney World. 

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

I would own a pizza shop or bakery. I worked in a pizza shop for a long time when I was in high school and college and actually enjoyed it. I enjoy making cookies, cupcakes, and anything sweet when I have time.

Where is your favorite vacation destination?

My favorite vacation destination is Walt Disney World. I was so excited to take my daughter there for a couple of days last spring while we were in town after taking a Carnival Cruise. We just booked a big vacation for December, so I am super excited for that. I really enjoy going on cruises and seeing new places.

What are your hobbies?

My hobbies include spending time with my family, being outside when it isn’t cold, watching softball and volleyball, baking, and crafting. I have a Pinterest project board and I will never complete it all. I enjoy taking small trips on our motorcycle and seeing something new at least once every summer.

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

One time during a game of kickball, I kicked the ball and made a bucket on the other end of the gym floor. It was a long time ago, but I guess I will always remember it because I probably couldn’t do it again. I would also like to drive an Indy racecar.

What are your favorite TV shows?

My all-time favorite was “One Tree Hill.” Since it isn’t on TV anymore, my current favorites are “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Riverdale.”

Who are your favorite musicians?

I like all music, but my favorite is country. Dixie Chicks have been a long-time favorite, but I also like Thomas Rhett and Brantley Gilbert.

What is your dream car/truck/SUV?

I would love to own a purple Dodge Charger decked out with all the fancy stuff.

What is your favorite saying or quote?

Hakuna Matata! I believe you shouldn’t worry about things that haven’t happened yet, or things that happened in the past. Live each day like it is your last because you never know what is going to happen.