05/14/2018

Good Afternoon MTAS,

Last week ended on a very high note. Please join me in congratulating four MTAS staffers who were awarded the UT MPPA Fellows in Professional Practice at the graduate hooding and awards ceremony at the Baker Center on campus Friday afternoon. Below is a photo of the prestigious award winners. They were recognized for the numerous hours they dedicated to serving as guest lecturers to the Master of Public Policy and Administration program. Dr. Folz said that he wished there was room on the stage for them to sit with the faculty – that’s how he sees these fine folks. Congratulations Sharon, Rex., Dennis and John!




Also cause for celebrations last week were the birthdays of Honna (May 8) and Paige E. (May 9) and the work anniversary of Ronnie (May 11). Ronnie hit a major milestone on Friday – 25 years!! Congratulations to you all.

For those who are observant, I listed Paige’s last name initial. Why you ask? With Titian’s departure last Friday (she took a job with the UT Foundation), we’ve enlisted the help of Paige Denzler. She comes to us from the temporary pool at UT. Please help me welcome Paige D. to the MTAS family. She’ll most likely be the person you speak to when you call the main number. We are working to fill the position permanently and appreciate Paige D. for filling the gap for us.

Also last week I was able to round out the advisory board membership. Three members completed their terms (Pete Peterson, Ron Sharp and Jim Crumley). The new members are Ed McKenney (Bartlett attorney), Doug Yoeckel (Portland city recorder) and Kay Senter (Morristown councilmember). If you work with one of these fine folks, please thank him or her for his/her service to MTAS.

Next Monday will be the first day for the new business manager. Here is an update on some other positions: we are in the post interview phase in filling Jeff’s position in Nashville and the job posting is now up for David’s position in Jackson. I interviewed a candidate last week for the training consultant position vacated by PJ when she retired. We are also in the recruiting phase for Alana/Titian’s position (Administrative Support Assistant II). If you know of qualified candidates, please encourage them to apply for these position openings. I’m excited to get these positions filled.

With Mother’s Day happening over the weekend, I leave you with week with a quote about motherhood:

“To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power. Or the climbing, falling colors of a rainbow.” – Maya Angelou

Have a terrific week,
Margaret