Thank you Tammy!
Originally Published May 4, 2018
In December of 1980, Tammy’s journey at the Joint Educational Project (JEP) begun when one of her professors, knowing she was about to graduate with a degree in gerontology and was on the job hunt, suggested she apply for a coordinator position that was available. Tammy eagerly sent her resume to Dr. Barbara Gardner and soon after was invited to interview for the position. “The funny thing was that I often walked by the JEP House and wondered what it was all about,” says Tammy. “Little did I know it was going to become such huge part of my life.”
Thirty-seven years later, JEP is grown considerably in size! JEP now has a student staff of almost 40 students, compared to the original 12; and has seven programs including ReadersPlus , the Young Scientists Program, Trojan Health Volunteers, Pre-Law Project, community-based organizations, and our newest program Understanding Homelessness through Service. This growth has been Tammy’s favorite aspect of being the Executive Director of JEP. “I love developing new things, and I think I got that from Barbara because Barbara always had big ideas,” says Tammy. “I love developing new programs, and when things start coming together, you think ‘wow this must be right.’ That’s what I love.”
This past January, Tammy accepted the position of Associate Dean of for Experiential Learning. Though JEP is broken-hearted to see her leave, we are excited for her in this new endeavor, and we know she will excel! Her love for developing new programs will follow her into her new position. When asked what she is the most excited about, she said:
“Being able to develop new things and for a larger group and being able to work with so many different staff that I have known over the years, but now I really get to work with and build new programs and partnerships alongside. And raising some more money! That’s what I’m excited about.”
As Tammy take the reins as Associate Dean for Experiential Learning and reflects on her time at JEP, she comments:
“JEP has been the joy of my life. To be able to put in 37 years at a place is not easy. And when you think about the number of people out there that hate their jobs, I’ve been so fortunate, so blessed, to have been able to work with wonderful people throughout the years, have a great staff, do important work; you get up every morning and feel that you have a purpose and enjoy it. That’s a blessing, and that is what JEP has meant to me.”
From all of us here at JEP, we want to thank Tammy for 37 years of leadership and service. The profound legacy that Tammy leaves at JEP will never be forgotten. Congratulations Tammy on your new position as Associate Dean for Experiential Learning. We wish you the best of luck, and we know that you will continue to make a profound impact on the programs you now oversee, will develop over the coming years, and all those you work with!
Serve on Tammy!
