Published on Aug. 25, 2022
Updated on Aug. 26, 2022
In our first newsletter of the Fall 2022 semester, we asked two brand new employees about their experiences being new Tigers.
Casey Owens, Assistant Director of Internal Communications, Joint Office of Strategic Communications & Marketing
What initially attracted you to work at Mizzou? The attraction began with the mid-MO culture. Even before I was researching the university and the position, I knew Columbia would be a great area to live given the location, outdoor culture, progressive community, and excellent schools. As I began researching the university, I watched President Choi’s State of the University and I was blown away by the MizzouForward initiatives taking place. I knew I wanted to be a part of this exciting time at Mizzou.
As a new staff member, is there anything that you found surprising or unexpected once you got here? As an internal communications professional, I find organizational culture and dynamics fascinating and I like to understand how each piece fits in the broader organizational puzzle. I was pleasantly surprised at how well different divisions and groups work together. It’s common to have silos in an organization this large and while I know the silos do exist, I see a true focus on working together and building relationships across different areas.
How has it been working with the colleagues in your department so far? I am a part of JOSCM (The Joint Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing), but my role is to support internal communications from human resources across the campus and system. The people I work with genuinely care about the university mission and their colleagues. It is a true family atmosphere.
What has been the best part about working at Mizzou so far? The welcoming atmosphere has been incredible. The campus has come alive now that school started, and I love the energy and comradery. I feel like I’m home.
Ellen Moore, Assistant Teaching Professor, Department of Chemistry, Arts & Science
What initially attracted you to Mizzou? I fell in love with Mizzou when I visited in 2011 as a prospective graduate student. The campus, community, and the quality of teaching and research were a few of the main reasons I chose Mizzou back then and it’s only gotten better in the last decade.
As a new faculty member, is there anything that you found surprising or unexpected once you got here? The level of support and resources for faculty, particularly the Teaching for Learning Center, technology help desk, and Missouri Online. Everyone is so welcoming and helpful. You can just feel the fulfillment and empowerment when you interact with various departments.
Did you attend New Faculty Orientation both days? What did you find most valuable from the workshop? I did – It was great to have the time to connect with other new faculty and departments. I particularly enjoyed the panel discussions from existing faculty. I also now have a really cool self-portrait collage from one of the ice-breakers.
My advice for other new faculty is to venture outside of your department/office/lab when you can. Just from the few days of orientation, I can already tell that I’ve gained lifelong friends and connections.
How are you finding the faculty/staff colleagues in your department so far? It’s like coming home. I took classes and worked closely with many of my now colleagues. It’s been great to be welcomed back by familiar faces.