Human Resources

Providing HR Services for the College

Authors: Michelle Biggs and Debbie Walls, Classical Studies

Photographer: Kimberly Johnson

Pamela Mathison-Levitt joined the Department of Classical Studies in February 2007 as the departmental Financial Assistant and Elementary Latin Program Assistant. She also serves as facilities coordinator for the department. When coming to the Department of Classical Studies you are greeted by Pam’s sincerity and cheerfulness. She is always eager to aid and assist. Mariette Baker shared that “It would be hard to find anyone who gives to the department with such vigor as Pam does; she goes above and beyond in everything she takes on. She is our little miss sunshine!” Her job duties are diverse and she wears many hats for the Department of Classical Studies which is exactly what drew her to the position.

As the financial assistant she monitors the department’s many project grants as well as facilitates reimbursements for faculty and graduate students. She is extremely knowledgeable of both College and University best practices and adheres to these guidelines while always representing the best interests of the faculty, students, and the department. Pam compared financials to detective work- always piecing together bits of information to come up with a solution - and she hates it when she cannot fix a problem.

As the program assistant for the Elementary Latin Program, Pam coordinates Latin placement exams, study center staffing schedules, and offers general assistance to the program coordinator. Mariette shared that “she takes her responsibilities seriously, as well as personally, and in doing so provides excellent support to the program faculty.”

As facilities coordinator Pam works with a multitude of departments across campus in coordinating office renovations and moves as well as coordinating the installation of audiovisual equipment in the departmental classroom. She always keeps the best interests of the department in mind while improving our space. Her work in this area is appreciated by and affects everyone in the department.

Pam completed her undergraduate degree at MSU in 2000 and went on to the University of Pennsylvania to complete a MS in Psychology and Education. After a stint of working at Border’s (Westland and Novi) as Assistant Manager, she was eager to return to academia. The position in Classical Studies appealed to her because of its diversity. Pam thrives on this and always looks forward to a good challenge. Whether it is solving financial problems, mailing fossilized lizard stomachs, or purchasing airline tickets to Turkey, she loves being a part of the Classics family.

Pam continues to dabble in psychology by coding for Alison Miller, a Research Assistant Professor in Health Behavior & Health Education at the School of Public Health. The study is on the emotional resilience of preschoolers. Pam watches videos of 3-4 year old preschoolers and notes their emotional reactions.

Pam is married to Marc Levitt, who just this year earned a MS in Archives and Records Management from the School of Information as well as a certificate in Museum Studies. Pam and Marc have a bunny named Carmen Sandiego and are expecting their first child in October 2009. In her spare time Pam enjoys writing poetry and collecting children’s books.