First and last name: Jeri Mann
What is your current title at Tulsa Community College? I am a Student Life Specialist at our Southeast Campus.
When did you start to work at TCC? What were your responsibilities at TCC at that time? Did TCC have a different name back then? I’ve worked for over 40 years at the college. I began in 1978 as a Federal Work-Study student, when it was called Tulsa Junior College (TJC.)
How does the college differ from what it was many years ago and currently? When I began working at TJC, we only had the Metro Campus and were in the process of the Northeast Campus opening. All administrators were housed at Metro Campus. I enjoyed bumping into our president and vice-presidents, provosts, and deans on a daily basis. Once all four campuses and the Conference Center were open, we became more campus focused. Flash forward to today, and we are one-college minded.
Please, name the greatest TCC employees who worked with you in the past. Why were they great? I have two names. The first is my dear friend and colleague Yolanda Wilson (Lonni). Lonni and I assisted students with disabilities. Lonni always puts students first. She showed me how to offer all I could, and how to work hand-in-hand with our faculty to ensure students had an equal playing field. She was also a mentor in encouraging me to further my higher education.
My second greatest employee would be my current dean, Jenny Beatie. She is so passionate about her belief in TCC. and in creating the best possible environment for employees to engage students and retain them. She exemplifies the attitude of a servant’s heart in all of her encounters with staff and students.
How did the pandemic affect the TCC’s Student Life department? The pandemic created many changes for Student Life. We developed new ways to engage with our learners. We offered a drive-through fuel pantry service. We offered online activities and embraced the changes. Our fitness center staff offered an array of fitness activities. Student Life rose to the challenge, and today we value our face-to-face encounters but also aim to bring online engagement for our students.
What are the most interesting or fun events the Student Life department at the Southeast Campus has conducted within the last two years? The most interesting events we have had in the last several years are creating a strong presence on our Student Life Facebook page, using our Live@5 programming and our Reel-of-the-Week. A second would be events that we create (and) that we co-sponsor with other departments within the college. We have an annual Trick-or-Treat trail at the Southeast Campus in which students must go to different service areas to check off. We are a better department when we help students know about all the different services/departments TCC has.
Please, mention a few important events that the Southeast Campus Student Life department plans this semester and later. Upcoming events that I always look forward to are “Paint the Zoo Blue,” which will be held on April 26, and our next commencement, May 12. We offer graduates TCC alumni t-shirts, and we get to celebrate their accomplishments.
What is your motto? My motto is “Keep at it.” We are always learning, growing, and striving to serve.
What is your college degree? My college degrees, which were earned as an adult learner are a Bachelor of Science in family studies and gerontology, and a Master of Arts in marriage and family therapy.
Do you have any hobbies? My hobbies are singing, cross-stitching, and Girl Scouts.
What is your favorite book, movie, theatrical play, or sports team, and why? My favorite musical/theatrical play is “Hamilton.”