STEPHANIE A. WATSON
Coordinator for Publications and Summer Conferences,
department of housing, and
Coordinator for University-wide Minority Programming, President's Office


JOB DESCRIPTION: "In the housing department, I'm responsible for departmental publications, the summer conference program and marketing initiatives such as the housing kiosk currently being developed for the Visitors Center. I'm also in the process of developing a long-range communications plan for the department so that we can address current and future residential needs.
"My work for the President's Office involves handling any university-wide minority initiatives, which includes coordinating minority programming for campus-wide events such as King Week and the annual fall reception for new black faculty and staff.
"I also serve on the President's Task Force on Minority Administrative Hiring and coordinate coalition-building sessions--such as brown-bag lunch programs--with campus groups that have an interest in multi-culturalism."

TIME IN CURRENT POSITION: One year.

OTHER UGA EXPERIENCE: "I graduated from the College of Journalism and Mass Communication in 1992 and have worked full time for the university since then in legal affairs, economics and Romance languages.
"I have been active in both the Staff Council and Black Faculty and Staff Organization here on campus.
"This year, I am serving as Staff Council president. We have a lot of housekeeping issues we need to take care of-getting the employee support program off the ground, getting the exit procedures committee to work with the University Council, getting our bylaws revised and getting our new office space furnished so it's available for Staff Council committees to conduct business."

OTHER WORK EXPERIENCE: "I was the director of communications for a local television production called Georgia Showcase Gospel. I also do freelance writing for the local newspaper and media consulting for local businesses."

THE PERSON I MOST ADMIRE: "My mother, Minnie Watson, who's my best friend. My father died when I was really young, so I had the opportunity to really focus and develop a relationship with her. She certainly knew about discipline but I think that was good because it kept me and my brothers and sisters grounded.
"She's also one of the strongest people I know. She has overcome some massive obstacles in her life, which is truly an inspiration to me."

OFF-THE-JOB INTERESTS: Basketball, reading and cooking. "I also like to sing and have been a member of the Athens Voices of Truth for four years. Additionally, I serve on the board of directors for the Boys and Girls Club."

BOOKS I'D RECOMMEND TO OTHERS: "Right now, I'm reading Their Eyes Were Watching God by Nora Zeale Hurston. I also like to read mysteries and inspirational books. My favorite authors are Robert K. Tannenbaum and Patricia D. Cornwell."

AN ISSUE THAT CONCERNS ME ABOUT TODAY'S WORLD: "Society's ability to focus on the negative, which could have something to do with the people others surround themselves with. I believe the more negative your thinking is, the more it reflects your internal being.
"In some shape, form or fashion, people need to develop a stronger sense of security and become more familiar with their own individual goals and aspirations.
"Beyond that, people should stop talking about changing things and actually do it."

--Juliett Dinkins

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