Registrar Celebrates 40年s of Service

In 1977, a gallon of gas cost 63 cents, now it is closer to $2.75. 道琼斯指数低于1点,000, 今天，这个数字超过了24,000, and the first mobile cell phone was still months from being unveiled. 很多事情都改变了, but one constant through that time is 贝齐·哈里斯, Northern Maine Community College’s longest-serving employee.

Harris spent the past 28 years serving as Registrar, but her story at NMCC goes back a dozen more years 当 she was hired as a clerk.

“I remember 当 I began working at Northern Maine Vocational Technical Institute (NMVTI): there were only two new buildings, the Christie Building and Andrews Hall — all of the other buildings were old base buildings哈里斯说。.

从那时起, Harris has witnessed the growth of campus with notable building additions such as the John Martin Building, 埃德蒙兹建筑, 最近, 史密斯健康中心. But the most satisfying change to Harris, came in the form of the information technology revolution and a new student information management system.

“What a dream come true – it has certainly made my job responsibilities much easier哈里斯说。. “The combination of software and data improvements makes it possible to organize and analyze data faster than 当 I first began.”

Through the years, Harris has also seen changes in staffing as many employees have come and gone.

“I have worked with six Presidents and five Dean of Students and have enjoyed working under the direction of all of them,”她说。.

She has worked with current NMCC President Timothy Crowley for many of those years – 15 while he has been president.

“贝琪做了, 并继续制造, an important contribution to the day to day operations of the College,他说. “Her ability to adapt and change as the Maine Community College System has changed over the past 40 years is amazing. Her high standards and ability to meet deadlines have been a trademark of her work and we are fortunate to have her as an employee and a leader at NM.”

Harris says the College is much more than just brick and mortar. It’s the people that make it what it is. She appreciates the support of administration, 教职员工, but it’s the students who win her heart.

“The greatest highlight is 当 students thank me for encouraging them to remain in school, 当, 事实上, 他们想辞职,”她说。. “It is an awesome feeling — knowing that they have reached their goals! The excitement and happiness on their faces, makes for such a proud moment on graduation day.”

Over her 40 years, Harris has also noted some changes in the student population.

“Students’ needs have certainly changed. They are trying to juggle family and job responsibilities, class scheduling, homework, etc.哈里斯说。. “这非常具有挑战性. Life today is very different than what it used to be. 它的节奏非常快. Students seem to be busier, struggling with everyday hectic schedules.”

Harris knows her time at NMCC will eventually end, but doesn’t want to dwell on the inevitable.

“As you travel down your path through life, one never knows what the future will bring哈里斯说。. “Life is short and fragile; so, don’t take it for granted. 找到你的激情, 如果你真的热爱你的工作, you will find that your life is worth living and you will have true happiness. Also, choose a way of life that helps to make the world a better place.”

Harris also reflected on her colleagues and the many opportunities given to her to grow and learn in her chosen profession, 或者用她的话说, “她的激情.”

Dr. 威廉egele, NMCC学生主任, says Harris has served countless individuals in her role as Registrar at the College.

“Her dedication and commitment to the students, the College and Aroostook County, in addition to her attention to detail, 一切都很好. We could not have a better person represent us in this capacity.  就我个人而言, I can always rely on Betsy’s knowledge, integrity and loyalty for which I am always thankful and appreciative.”

每年, Northern Maine Community College recognizes the commitment of its employees through the annual Longevity Awards. In the 2017-2018 academic year, the following individuals were also recognized:

 

5年

瑞安Bugbee

 

10年

詹妮弗·格雷厄姆

保罗Lajoie

 

15年

院长Duplessis

卡尔•杰克逊

大卫·奥

卡罗尔二者

Tammy纳尔逊

 

20年

罗伯特·赖斯

 

40年

贝齐·哈里斯