Photo by Christina VanHorn,
UNH Human Resources

"That smile." "So friendly." "Great customer service."

If you've heard about Lynn Smith, but never met her, those are comments that are usually associated with her. If you've had the pleasure of meeting or working with Lynn you know that those quotes are right on the money.

Lynn began her career at UNH as an Administrative Assistant in 1996 and is now the Coordinator of Student Services in Telecommunications. "As the industry and department changed I was fortunate to have the opportunity to grow and change with it, with wonderful and supportive supervisors and directors," Lynn states. With all of these changes the "never a dull moment" workday for Lynn consists of coordinating Student Services for Telecommunications, keeping their services current and competitive; hiring, training and supervising student staff; helping coordinate services for CIS; and helping with the campus RUSH Committee to improve customer service at semester openings across campus. While the vast interactions with students, parents, faculty and staff might seem overwhelming even during the best of times "servicing and helping people and welcoming new UNH students and parents are probably my favorite part of my job," Lynn says. "Others are hiring, training and developing students - we both learn from each other. Making connections with all the super UNH students and growing and learning together with them in my job is also very satisfying. Watching them mature and blossom over the 4 years they are here is great to experience and be a part of."

Lynn became interested in working at UNH as a result of conversations with UNH hockey coach Dick Umile. "I became interested in working at UNH through my good friend, Coach Umile," Lynn says. "After a family tragedy he suggested I apply for a job at UNH. At the current time I was a substitute teacher and very involved in my community coordinating a ski and enrichment program for my town, but needed a more secure job with benefits. I applied and was extremely fortunate to be hired by UNH Telecom. Coach Umile is a long time friend and UNH hockey teammate of my husband's and he was a major factor for me coming to UNH. He is the kindest, most supportive person I know - helping everyone he comes in contact with.UNH is lucky to have him as their Men's Hockey Coach."

When asked what she enjoys most about working at the University, Lynn's response is "There are so many things that I enjoy about working at UNH - mostly the people and connections that I have made. Working in such a beautiful setting in a university is a very stimulating and exciting environment. Working with both the wonderful UNH students and staff make it a unique and versatile work arena. It is like being in a community - you not only have your job, but you can take classes, have your own family of co-workers and friends, and also be a part of sports events and any UNH organization you wish - I am a big supporter of UNH Hockey! Coach Umile and his staff have played a big part in my family's life and I tell them I am their head cheerleader. It is great to be surrounded by so many good people and opportunities. I also love working at UNH as we have the most beautiful university campus ever!"

As for personal interests, Lynn states "my family - daughter Jaime - graduated from UNH and is getting her Master's Degree, and my son Jesse just graduated from Colgate University. I am very proud of them and learn from them every day! My extended family - parents, siblings and cousins all gather in the summer time at our camp at Lake Sunapee. We enjoy all water sports - especially water skiing. I love all sports - tennis, golf, hockey, hiking and the outdoors! ( I hope to buy a kayak and new mountain bike next year.) Friends are very important to me and I just recently took a 2 week trip to Hawaii which was awesome - I love to travel and hope to travel more in the future."

While Lynn creates a lasting impression on those who meet her, she has also been impacted by her co-workers at UNH. "I have met so many wonderful people that have had a positive impact on me and have made so many great friends it is hard to mention them all," Lynn says. "My supervisors and directors at Telecom - Petr Byrm, Tina Sawtelle, Suzanne Foley, Bob Johnson and my fellow Telecom and CIS co-workers who are all so supportive and fantastic to work with. Tina Sawtelle has been a wonderful mentor and role model who was supportive in both my educational professional pursuits - I owe her a debt of gratitude for all she has done for me! If I didn't mention the 'Girlfriend Club' I would be in trouble for the friends and connections at UNH that you make are the best ever! Telecom and CIS is a great department to work for - I love the staff and variety that my job entails. UNH - it is a wonderful community to be a part of."

And Lynn Smith is one of the reasons the UNH community is just that wonderful.