What are the advantages to working in the non-profit environment of a state University, as opposed to corporate America? Stephanie Higgs' experience provides some interesting insights to that question. After having spent more than 16 years in high-level management positions for major corporations, it was our good fortune that Stephanie joined UNH in November of 2001 as Office Manager for the Counseling Center. She finds the change to a non-profit environment "refreshing."

Though her current position affords her a relatively less-stressful lifestyle, it is far from undemanding. Managing the Counseling Center's office requires attention to a broad scope of tasks. Stephanie maintains the department's website and serves as a liaison to CIS to troubleshoot any technical problems encountered by Counseling Center staff members. In addition to other responsibilities, she also makes certain that the facility is supplied and in order, and supervises the other administrative support staff in the department. Having worked very closely with her own support staff during her years in corporate management, Stephanie arrived at the position with a clear understanding of its demanding nature. She has found that the skills that served her well in corporate management are equally applicable to her current position, including organizational skills and interpersonal skills.

What is it that sets the working environment at UNH apart from that of corporate America? According to Stephanie, it is the multitude of opportunities to connect with others and to have one's individual voice heard on issues affecting the University. Her own involvement is evidence of her enthusiasm for these opportunities. Stephanie serves on the Operating Staff Council, the Judicial Board, the Staff Development Grant Committee, and volunteers in the newly formed Study Circles. Supported by managers who recognize the value of her participation and, subsequently, her ability to keep the department informed on University issues, Stephanie is able to attend council and committee meetings during working hours. She maintains that there are almost limitless opportunities for engagement with the broader University community.