Columns:: Campus Closeup

since 12/15/98

Columns::January 13, 2003

$1 million gift will establish endowed chair in public policy
$6.7 million NSF grant funds study of land-use change in southern Applachian Mountains
Adam Cureton is UGA’s newest Rhodes Scholar
Woodruff, Honors Program student, named one of 40 Marshall Scholars
Marine talk
State, nation econmic forecast: Still raining
IRP considers changes in operational procedures
Full of beans
Update: Private Giving
Newsmakers
A personal philosophy of teaching

Campus News

Campus Closeup

MIKA MELTON
Administrative Secretary
Environmental Safety Division

JOB DESCRIPTION: “In addition to providing clerical support for the environmental safety division, my primary duties are

A nine-year university employee, Mika Melton has worked in student finacial aid, public affairs and University Housing. She has been an administrative assistant in the radiation safety office for one year. (Photo by Peter Frey)

performed within the radiation safety office, which is responsible for the procurement, delivery and disposal of all of the radioactive materials utilized by any university researcher. We are charged with the oversight of the university’s license for radioactive materials; therefore we are responsible for ensuring compliance with the Department of Natural Resources and the Environmental Protection Agency’s regulations.
“I also publish the division’s electronic newsletter, Environmentally Speaking, which is sent to several safety lists, laboratories, researchers and any other colleges and universities that want to share safety news.”

A TYPICAL DAY: “Each day brings a new challenge. Since the radiation safety office is under the new direction of Jody Jacobs, we are experiencing rapid changes in technology and program improvements. It’s exciting for me to be a part of the implementation of new software as well as learning scientific information relevant to the university’s research.
“There also is a lot of customer service, which is something I really enjoy. I primarily deal with the researchers who are licensed for radiation use.
“And yes, there is a phenomenal amount of paperwork that has to be tracked and maintained to prove compliance with state and federal regulations.”

TIME IN CURRENT POSITION: “One year.”

MOST REWARDING/CHALLENGING PART OF MY JOB: “I’m focused on technology right now. There used to be a time when the computer was just a tool to use for what I had to use it for and nothing more. Now I’m undertaking so many projects and new programs, and I’ve learned so much, that I pride myself on the technological skills I’ve gained on my own.”

OTHER UGA EXPERIENCE: “I’ve been with the university for nine years this March. I started out as a clerk/typist II in student financial aid. I then spent four years in public affairs.
“Before I came here to work at ESD, I was in a job-sharing position with another senior administrative secretary for the director of University Housing. It was a very rewarding experience for both of us.”

OTHER WORK EXPERIENCE: “I was a security officer for close to five years at Georgia Security and Detective Agency. Part of that time I was a field sergeant, and later I became director of operations. I was very young and female, so it was a challenge to be taken seriously. I was a contracted security officer at the Georgia Museum of Art over the in-house security personnel. When my contract was up, I applied for a position within the university. I also held your typical retail sales job during the holidays, did marketing for a local chiropractor and worked a brief stint as a waitress.”

OFF-THE-JOB INTERESTS: “I like to relax with my husband and best friend, George, and we play with our children, Ashley and Zachary. My family likes to spend time at home, snuggle, giggle and have a good time with our treasured dog, Kodiak. We don’t take a whole lot seriously when we’re together.”

FAVORITE MUSIC: “Truly classic rock-and-roll music from the ’60s and ’70s.”

THE PEOPLE I MOST ADMIRE: “My in-laws, Betty and Clifford J. Bond Jr. They are the epitome of family values and stability. They never pass judgment on others and are always offering help without intrusion. Their attitude toward life represents what is truly important, and they focus their energy on the positive aspects of living.”

THE ISSUE THAT CONCERNS ME MOST ABOUT TODAY’S WORLD: “It’s hard to choose just one. I see it as being two-fold. First, our harried lifestyles take us away from the most critical relationships with our family and friends. This leaves children void of core family values and parents with little time to interact and serve as role models.
“Secondly, the product of this social climate allows people not to take responsibility for themselves and be held accountable for their actions. We must start with ourselves to improve the world around us. I think it boils down to respect--self-respect and respect for other people.”

--Leslie Bakun

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