In this post we recognize Lisa Terrier, Manager of Helpdesk Service Requests, for her 25 years of Service to Middlebury. Lisa discusses her work outside of the College, her favorite hobbies, and her fondest Midd memories. Read on to learn more about Midd from Lisa’s point of view.
What did you do prior to work at Middlebury College and where were you located?
I worked at Simmonds Precision during its transition to Hercules, BF Goodrich and then Goodrich. It’s now known as UTC in Vergennes. I started there right out of high school and worked my way to the data center on the night shift running batch jobs, backups, and printing. There were classes that helped in my work in the technology field which Simmonds helped pay for and started me on my way to a college degree.
What job titles have you held while working at Middlebury?
From most recent:
Manager, Helpdesk Svc Requests
Senior Technology Specialist
Technology Distribution Mngr
Desktop Computing Oper Analyst
Athletics Office Coordinator
Take us back to your first year as an employee at the College. What were the most significant things happening in your life outside of work then?
My husband and I were starting up our dairy farm, moving from Ferrisburgh to Middlebury. I was competing in Gymkhana’s and Team Penning with my horse every weekend. And working on acquiring my college degree a few classes at a time.
What are the most significant things happening in your life outside of work now (that you’d like to share)?
Lee and I have transitioned away from dairy and now focus on raising naturally grass fed beef and hay. We raised an absolutely wonderful young man who will be turning 19 this year. Wade currently works at Midd in the facilities department.
Have your interests/hobbies/athletic endeavors changed over the past 25 years? Have any of these been influenced by your work at the College or due to your association with others who work here?
I am even more energetic and yes due to some of the fantastic people I work with. I have a fitbit and compete in steps with Gary Weiss and Nate Burt, they sure keep me on my toes. I still ride horses, though more for pleasure instead of competing. I admit raising an energetic son has really been the highlight, he pushed me to try new things. We joined an ATV club and went 4 wheeling all over Vermont. With boy scouts, I met many Midd parents and their kids, who we are still friends with today.
What is your fondest memory or experience that you’ve had while working at Middlebury?
I loved that we did the all campus photo and I guess it would have the be the diaper drop event ITS held for me when I was due to have my son. I received so many packages of diapers they literally filled a closet at my home.
Many people change jobs/careers multiple times in their working life. Something must have kept you here for 25 years. Is it anything that you can put into words?
I like technology and have learned many new systems over the years. Though it’s the people I work with that make me want to stay.
What are your plans for the next 25 years?
I plan to enjoy every minute I can with my family, and to be here at Midd with my work family until I retire.
Do you have a favorite place on campus?
I can’t say I have a favorite place or building on campus, I do enjoy the trails though.
Is there any person on campus (or retiree, former employer) that mentored you, or you feel helped you grow into your job, grow to enjoy your work and your time at the College?
I don’t know if Marty New helped me grow, though she did make work more enjoyable. Her retirement means I will miss having her smile and humor to start the day.
If you could give one piece of advice to a new employee at Middlebury, what would it be?
Learn what you need when it comes to technology and how it can help you in your work. Most of all make friendships and participate in college events. There is so much more at Midd than just coming to work and doing your job.
Is there anything else that you would like to share about your time at Middlebury?
I am hopeful that the environment and the morale will be uplifted with the recent discussions around performance, pay, staff resources and recognition. For some, it may look like Middlebury is not the best place to work, though it has been and will be again.