Who says video games are just for kids? Jennifer Ball’s favorite pastime is playing World of Warcraft or Diablo. The second of three children, Jennifer grew up in Portage, Maine. Though she doesn’t have any children of her own, she has always loved working with students. “Mainly just because I wanted to be able to interact with people on a regular basis,” Jen said. Jen got her position as an administrative specialist at the University of Maine at Presque Isle in January 2018. “My job is to serve the housing and residence life associate director and the director of our health services,” Jen said. Jen had been trying to land a position at UMPI for the last 12 to 15 years, wanting a job that allowed her to work with students and community members.
“I’ve worked with Jen since her hire date here and I’ve also worked with her in a prior company,” Don Gibson, associate director of housing & student life, said. Gibson picked Jen for this position out of 30 applicants because she was the most qualified and gave the best answers during the hiring process. This decision was not made lightly, but Gibson is glad they picked her. “One of the best things about an employee is their drive and motivation and Jen has plenty to spare. She will start tasks without needing to be asked but all the while making sure to check in and make sure the work that she is doing is correct,” Gibson said. Jen works hard to make sure staff and students alike are well taken care of. “Jen is extraordinarily committed. She is very talented and cares greatly about what she does,” Gibson said.
It may have taken Jennifer Ball a long time to land a position here at the University of Maine at Presque Isle, but she is ecstatic to have gotten this job. She can work with community and students, getting them what they need, and also getting her work done in a timely manner. As parents, friends and teachers have said, great things come with time. For Jen, a great thing happened with time.
