Human Resources

Providing HR Services for the College

Author: Kathy Halleck, Political Science

Photographer: Richard Richter

Diane Wyatt has been an employee of the University since 1986. She is currently the Department Administrator for the LSA History Department. She supervises the staff members and is held in high esteem by all of the History Department. She is an extremely organized and competent leader, accomplishing quickly and smoothly all that needs to be done. She has been called “a real people-person.” Her door is always open and all who come to her are met with kindness, compassion, and a willingness to help in any way she can. One co-worker has said that she is supportive and encouraging, almost in a “mother bear to cub” kind of way. They know that their concerns are her concerns. She handles each situation with utmost professionalism and discretion. Diane says that her favorite part of the job is to find new ways to do things to make the work easier and more efficient. She says that she has a great staff who demonstrates great teamwork and camaraderie in difficult times.

In the History Department, Diane gracefully handles 80 faculty members with their varying requests. She takes care of 12 staff members with consideration and respect and frequently joins in the laughter that keeps the office atmosphere light during stressful times. (What could be more stressful than packing up the entire office, every piece of paper and furniture, to move out for summer renovations, all the day after finals ended?) Diane handled it all with organization and no disruption in service. Diane was careful to prepare everyone well in advance, holding information meetings and keeping everyone up to date on progress.

Another way that Diane cares for the History staff members is to be captain of the “History Honeys” – their MHealthy Team. Diane strongly promotes good health, eating and exercise as part of the mission in leading the department. For fun at home, Diane enjoys using WiiFit and Wii Active games and taking fitness classes. She obviously leads by example.

When not at work, Diane enjoys being active with her family. She has two dogs which she adopted from a rescue. She has an 11 year-old son who keeps her busy with Boy Scouts, basketball, soccer, and other activities. She also enjoys church and community volunteer activities. She is a frequent blood donor for the American Red Cross and participates in fund raising for diabetes and cancer associations.

To relax, Diane enjoys watching the birds from their deck. She is also a big fan of Saturday Night live, The Office, and of the comedy genre in general. When she retires, she plans to write a book in the humorist style of Erma Bombeck on being an administrator in academia. We look forward to reading that.