Human Resources

Providing HR Services for the College

Author:  Tiffany Purnell, Organizational Studies

Being the first point of contact for a department can be stressful for any staff member, but Roberta Saling handles this pressure with grace and warmth. As the Executive Secretary in the English Department and Assistant to the Department Chair, Roberta has become an irreplaceable member of the department’s team. With her previous experience at the University, her willingness to assist others, and her work ethic, Roberta has played a vital role in the English Department’s success this past academic year.

One of her major accomplishments this year was successfully managing the faculty recruitment of seventeen candidates, all in a two month period! Her nominator notes that Roberta accomplished this herculean feat, “with efficiency and with special attention to candidate needs.” Each candidate was made to feel special. For Roberta, it was, “important to make them feel welcome.” The biggest hurdle Roberta faced during this process was the candidates’ schedules and arranging meetings with the department’s faculty. With over 70 tenure-track faculty, English is one of the largest departments in LSA, so matching schedules would indeed be a tremendous challenge. Roberta’s efforts paid off, and the English department successfully recruited several candidates.

Roberta was also immensely valuable in planning the English Department’s first ever Commencement Ceremony. Organizing over 300 graduates can prove daunting, but with teamwork and her previous experience with department-level commencement ceremonies, Roberta and other staff were able to implement a memorable event. For Roberta, smaller ceremonies provide a personal touch in a large university, which means so much to both students and parents.

When asked about the most satisfying part of her job, Roberta quickly stated that it was working with people. “You know, I’m a people person. I like dealing with people.” This is confirmed by her nominator, who says, “She is extremely professional and is able to handle any situation that comes her way with grace and tact. She handles people with warmth, respect, and an attitude of helpfulness.”

Though a hard worker, Roberta also has numerous interests outside of the office. She is an avid reader, gardener, bridge player, and traveler. Roberta has traveled the world, visiting Shanghai, Sydney, and various places in Europe. Roberta also just welcomed her first granddaughter.

Roberta’s organization, attention to detail, and hard work has positively affected not only her fellow staff members, but the students and faculty she has helped along the way. When asked to share one important lesson learned that has helped her succeed in her role within the LSA community, Roberta gives some excellent advice: “Just…always remember, wherever you are, you are representing the university.”