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I am originally from Massachusetts, and I find it hard to believe I landed at UNH only just more than an hour from where I grew up. I never knew about this beautiful patch of New England near the ocean, near the mountains--a place that is less crowded than the suburbs but has so much to offer.
I did my undergraduate work at St. Lawrence University and went to graduate school at the University of Vermont. I was lucky enough to come here after graduate school and find a way to stay at the same place while taking on different responsibilities in my work, and at the same time connecting to a community beyond my work.
Other Facts About Me
When I'm not working, I am mostly doing things with my two children: Graham (age 15) and Molly (age 13). Yes I have teenagers and all that comes with it! They keep me pretty busy with their day-to-day involvement, which makes life interesting and fun. My partner, Michael (a very gentle soul) lives with us. He is a photographer specializing in making prints of peoples artwork and architectural photography. Lucy is our dog and any dog loving RHDs are welcome to visit if they need time with a pet.
I am a certified yoga instructor and teach an open class to UNH students, faculty and staff every Friday at noon. Lots of RAs ask me to come do yoga with students in their hall. I am always happy to introduce students to The Yoga Experience. I also work out at the Whit in the mornings and get to visit with the early rising RHDs who find themselves there as well. My parents live in Boston so I frequently head down there to see them, and enjoy what Boston has to offer as well.
I'm happiest when I am doing something outside with my kids or friends - hiking, cross country skiing, downhill skiing, walking, and gardening. I spend plenty of time on the sidelines watching games; both of my kids play sports. I get to combine seeing them with talking with other parents. I call it the party on the sidelines. I don't watch TV, so when it comes to conversations about last nights episode, I am useless. We were introduced to Netflix by an RHD on staff, and are big fans. No more paying late fees at the movie store, and the selection is so much better. I am open to any suggestions about a good movie to watch. Also open to suggestions about a good novel, I am known to borrow books and always return them when I am done. Cooking every night for a family can be a drag, but I try to get into it…and make the most of it. So a good recipe is always welcome. I love a good conversation and try to be sure to make room for these at work and outside of work. |
Responsibilities
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Develop and implement the professional staff training efforts.
Develop, market, and monitor our themed living communities and living learning communities.
Work with our New RHDs Orientation and training group that meets weekly for the year.
I also work with the Hall Directors in First Year Student Halls developing and implementing the curriculum. This year I worked on the first UNH Waste Watch Energy Challenge that was a joint project with the Office of Sustainability.
I feel privileged to work in a department that is so willing to ask the hard questions of ourselves as professionals, and of our profession in general. We have a track record of challenging our priorities and our outcomes in an ongoing manner.
This has forced us to make drastic changes over the years, which in many ways have redefined our jobs, always with the students experience in mind. I like what we stand for; I know that it is different here than at other places.
I feel very proud of the thinking we have put into our program and the direction it has taken as a result.
Please send email to me at ruth.abelmann@unh.edu with any comments or questions |
