I AM UAA: Jennifer Ball

Administrative Assistant, Advising & Testing Center
Hometown: Anchorage, AK
Fun Fact: Her mother-in-law also works in UAA's Advising & Testing Center

In 1993, the U.S. Air Force considered Alaska an "overseas" tour. So when Jennifer Ball's dad had to decide whether to transfer his family from Syracuse, New York, to Alaska or Germany, he opted to head north. Even so, with no familiar department stores (or a Dairy Queen!), Anchorage felt foreign enough for young Jennifer and her two siblings.

In sixth grade and having moved because of her dad's job at least five times already (mostly between New York, Pennsylvania and Florida), Jennifer quickly adapted and grew to consider Anchorage her hometown as her family settled in. And, she has since put down roots herself with a husband, two sons, a strong involvement with her church and a fulfilling job at UAA.

Jennifer attended Chester Valley Elementary, Clark Middle and Bartlett High, participating in gymnastics through middle and high school (floor routines were her specialty) and ballet since kindergarten. She graduated from high school in 2000 and immediately started taking classes for an associate's degree at UAA. Then, life happened.

"I met my husband in 1999 when we were both working at McDonald's, and we got married in 2002," Jennifer says. "I had my first son in 2004 and started working for UAA in 2005." Between working full time since high school and starting a family, she slowed down her pace with classes and worked her way toward earning her A.A., finishing last December.

Continuing to take advantage of the sweet benefit that is UAA's employee tuition waiver, Jennifer is continuing her education and working toward a B.A. in history.

"I wanted to pursue something I enjoy," she says. "I love history and will probably focus on early American history. It's never going to happen again that we discover a whole new place and pioneer it. By continuing my education, I can also encourage my children to further theirs."

Working for UAA has been very satisfying for Jennifer. After having her first child, she began as a part-time receptionist in the Advising and Testing Center. Just six months in, she transitioned to her current role as administrative assistant and has been in that position for six years.

"I'm really happy with where I'm at," she says. "I enjoy the people I work for and with. We have a really great office environment, and we all want to see each other succeed as well as help students succeed."

Jennifer's commitment to the success of those around her was honored last fall when she was presented with the 2011 Chancellor's Award for Staff Excellence. Her numerous nominations for the award described her as having "a unique combination of personal and professional strengths" and a "special ability to recognize the larger goal and mission of the Center."

"She is know for her patience, kindness and willingness to listen even when emotions are high," says another nomination. "She is a hard worker who takes on numerous challenges and wears many hats."

"The Advising and Testing Center and UAA are better places because of Jennifer Ball."

And maybe the strongest testament to Jennifer's character? Some of the nicest comments among the nominations came from her own mother-in-law. "I really hesitated to nominate her because we are related," says Marsha Ball, "But then decided that I shouldn't let that stop me, because Jenny REALLY deserved it."

Clearly, whether among family or colleagues (who are sometimes one in the same), Jennifer embodies the green and gold spirit.