Jen Pelletier has been at OSU for 13 years and works in Student Life.
Why did you choose to work at Ohio State?
I came to Ohio State as a graduate student in Higher Education and Student Affairs. After graduation I was offered a temporary position working with community service programs at the Ohio Union. Because the position was temporary, I wasn’t sure that I would be at OSU longer than that first year. But things have a way of working out. I was hired into a permanent position and since then have worked to support our student organization community, leadership development programs and now staff training initiatives.
What do you like about your job?
I’ve been fortunate to continue to find new professional challenges while staying within the same great organization. I love the work I do now with staff training and development because it gives me a chance to use my strengths every day. Working directly with our student employees is a great daily challenge to offer training that meets their interests, as well as help them develop lifelong leadership and professional skills.
If you weren’t working at Ohio State, what would you rather be doing? I would definitely consider moving home to southern California to work at Disneyland. I grew up at the Magic Kingdom and also worked there when I was in college. It’s good to be among people who know how to create magic.
How do you apply the ‘One University’ concept?
For me, “One University” means saying yes when you encounter opportunities to work with new people and organizations. I regularly rely on colleagues to volunteer to deliver training workshops, so I know how helpful and important this type of collaboration can be. Using my background in training and leadership, I’ve said yes when invited to lead retreats and workshops for other campus departments. Through those interactions, I’ve built and strengthened relationships with people across campus.
What is your favorite activity outside of work?
My monthly book club. Through that group I’ve read and enjoyed books I might not have picked up on my own, and our gatherings are a great chance to catch up with friends over dinner and discussion.
Of what honor or recognition are you most proud?
I remember what I was like as a student, and I rarely thought about gratitude for my advisors. I recently received a framed photo of the American Red Cross Club exec board, which I advise, from the end of Blood Battle. I really appreciate the time and thoughtfulness that they took to put that together for me and the other advisor.
What are you going to do when you retire?
Although it’s still a couple decades away, I imagine I’d spend my days becoming an even better cook, still trying to teach myself to play golf and traveling to watch baseball with my husband.