Photo by Christina VanHorn,
UNH Human Resources

For Michele Holt-Shannon, her first exposure to employment at the University of New Hampshire came second hand. "My husband was a Residence Hall Director the first three years I lived in New Hampshire," she says. "I met some great people and wanted to be a part of it." After no less than five positions in her nine years of service at UNH, Holt-Shannon has made her own mark in the university community by her dedication to the positive educational and social experiences for students.

By glancing at her resume, it is obvious that her capabilities are impressive. Starting out as Assistant to the Director of Residential Life, she later filled the positions of Interim Program Director of the MUB, Program Director, and Assistant Director of Student Life, before assuming her current title of Assistant Director of the Discovery and First-Year Programs. In her own words, her responsibilities primarily include "supporting the implementation process for the UNH Discovery Program for general education, and fostering co-curricular and extended curricular opportunities between Discovery and First-Year Programs." Less formally, it also means continually analyzing and supporting the student population to make sure they make the most of their college career. Holt-Shannon is able to balance these tremendous tasks by putting her own background in education and student development to work, as well as multi-tasking as much as the next person.

A hallmark of Michele's service has been her continual willingness to lend her skills to various campus organizations. "I appreciate being a part of various groups addressing social justice, and I love being a liaison to the UNH chaplains." In addition to these responsibilities, she also advises WildACTS; UNH's Social Change Theatre Troupe, which she describes as a highlight of her year.

When she is not working, or advising, Michele spends time with her two young daughters, Noa and Olivia, and her husband, Mark, who now works with 8th graders at Dover Middle School. She is also taking an Elementary Spanish class in her rare moments of spare time.

Years later, Michele's initial opinion of the working atmosphere at UNH has proved correct. "I have learned a lot at UNH. I work with wonderful people, and I enjoy being in a place engaged in intellectual and civic endeavors. Every year is different."