Linda Bolin

This issue of the Exchange features Linda Bolin,

Q. How long have you been employed at Millersville University?

A. Since summer 2004

Q. Why were you interested in working for Millersville University?

A. After completing my undergraduate degree here in 2004, I went to the career services office to have my résumé critiqued and was offered a temporary position, and the rest is history.

Q.  Tell us about your job?

A. I provide executive-level support to Dr. James McCollum, executive deputy to the president/chief of staff and chair of Millersville University’s Threat Assessment Team (TAT@MU).

Q. How do you like working in Biemesderfer?

A. I appreciate working in the University’s architectural gem.  Its unique qualities of carved oak and stunning stained glass windows provide such a feeling of warmth and beauty.  The building not only houses the executive office space but also is available for other uses, including meetings, weddings and other events.

Q.  Tell us about your role with the University’s Threat Assessment Team (TAT@MU).

A. I am responsible for the overall administrative management and operational workflow for the TAT@MU.  I complete the initial intake and evaluation form as the primary contact during business hours; conduct database queries; work collaboratively with the TAT@MU chair, members, and internal departments to facilitate the ongoing process by which cases are evaluated; coordinate the calendar, agenda and meeting schedules; maintain the TAT@MU page on the Safety & Security homepage; attend regularly scheduled meetings; and maintain official records of all documentation and file materials.

Q. Do you have any family members who attend Millersville?

A. Yes—Bethany in speech communication, Briana in international studies and Garth is undeclared and will be a freshman in the fall.

Q. Where was your first job?

A. Oyler’s Fruit Stand in Biglerville, Pa., a small town approximately seven miles to the north of Gettysburg.

Q. Where did you grow up?

A. In Adams County

Q. What is your favorite childhood memory?

A. Playing outside—climbing and hanging out in trees or playing in the rain.

Q.  Who was your role model as a child?

A. I had several teachers who played an important role in my life.

Q. What did you want to be when you grew up/ why?

A. Anthropologist/ethologist – I was interested in the study of animal behavior and wanted to be Jane Goodall.

Q. What do you consider one of your greatest accomplishments and why?

A.  One of my greatest accomplishments was finishing my undergraduate degree.  As a first-generation college student, the process was daunting.

Q. What would your co-workers be surprised to know about you?

A.  I took the hunter safety course, scored a 100% on the test, went hunting, shot a pheasant, and decided hunting was not the sport for me.

Q.  What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

A.  I enjoy relaxing with my husband, Jeff, our three children–Bethany, Briana and Garth–and our dogs, Radar and Tyler; attending extracurricular events (Garth plays ice hockey, minor league inline hockey, lacrosse and soccer); watching the Food Network; and volunteering.  I am currently co-president for my son’s post prom.

Q.  What is one thing you wish to be remembered for?

A. Being a positive role model as a parent, friend and colleague.

Q.  Where do you see yourself in 15 years?

A. I hope to still be contributing my abilities in a challenging and rewarding environment and remaining open and flexible to whatever opportunities present themselves.

Q.  If you could live anywhere besides Pennsylvania where would you live?

A. I would choose to live in a warmer state that also experiences the changing of the seasons.

Q.  If you had a chance to re-live your life, what would you do differently?

A .  I would have been more physically interactive with my children when they were young.

Maui, Hawaii

On May 14, 2008, we were picked up at 2:30 a.m. and driven to Haleakalā National Park, location of the Haleakalā Crater, the world’s largest dormant volcano.  Haleakalā means “House of the Sun,” and we witnessed the most incredible sunrise from the summit, which sits more than 10,000 feet above sea level.  We biked through the clouds to the lush emerald fields below and all agreed that this 38-mile adventure was the highlight of our Hawaiian 2008 adventure, and one of my best Mother’s Day memories.

The Bolin Family

Jeff, Garth, Linda, Briana & Bethany

“Maui No Ka Oi” (Maui is the Best)