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Vol. 38, No. 18 |
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1-18-2007 Staff spotlight 1/18/07Carol Bowman is the director of the Ohio State Marion Science Labs Why did you choose to work at Ohio State? Before coming to OSU I was a high school chemistry and physics teacher, but one of my sons became seriously ill and I needed a more flexible schedule. The position here at Marion came open and I thought I’d only do it for a few years, but I fell in love with the academic atmosphere, the great people and students and the diversity of responsibilities that I have. What do you like about your job? I really like the variety of the job duties I have. Being at a smaller regional campus allows me to do even more diverse things. What would you improve at Ohio State? I would improve the opportunities that regional campus staff employees have in participating in some of the workshops and events on the Columbus campus. Most of us can’t drive for two hours to attend a brown bag lunch or presentation. What advice would you give a new employee? Get involved in the campus life and seek out a mentor to help guide you. You can sometimes find one through connections made by participating in committee and service opportunities. Networking is a very valuable tool for navigating through this huge organization. What honor or recognition are you most proud of? In 2000 I was awarded the Buckeye’s Best Award for the staff employee of the year. I have had several service opportunities that I consider honors. I had the privilege of serving on the first President’s Women’s Council. I have had the opportunity to work with the Critical Difference for Women’s Scholarship office and the Women’s Place in various capacities. Who is your hero? If I had to pick one woman, I think I would pick Betty Schoenbaum (yes, the Schoenbaum Building is named after her and her husband). In the ’90s I was a nontraditional student here at OSUM. I had six children under the age of 13, worked full time and went to school full time. Schoenbaum was the sponsor of the Critical Difference for Women Scholarship I received that allowed me to complete my education. I have since had several opportunities to meet with Betty and she is a fantastic and generous woman. I could only hope to influence other students the way she has influenced hundreds. If you were the university president for a day, what would you do? I don’t think I would want to be president even for a day with all of the demands on her time. I would have all of the women that I have served with on the President’s Women’s Council come to an all-day event and sit around and have them tell their life and career stories.
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