Positive spirit and smile helps employee make a difference

When Anita Davis came to Emporia State University a little over two years ago, she probably did not realize her job description included doing a little bit of everything, but that is exactly what she does.

“My duties include managing the department budget, handling faculty travel requests, and other normal office duties,” she said. “I also help Dr. Jerry Will, our department chairman, with prospective students, sending them information, talking with them about our programs, helping them get admitted and enrolled and for some, helping them set up a plan for completion of the program.”

Davis is a senior administrative assistant in the School Leadership Department. Her many responsibilities, coupled with her positive spirit and constant smile has made her one of the “You Make a Difference” award recipients.

“It is a really nice compliment knowing that just doing my job makes a difference. It puts a different light on how my normal day to day activities really affect someone else,” Davis said.

She really enjoys the work atmosphere and the people she gets to work with on a daily basis, but she said the best aspect of her job is the students.

“Being able to provide support to those students wanting to get admitted and enrolled in our program and trying to make the transition just a little easier,” Davis said of her favorite part of her job.

Davis said she thinks students’ needs should always be a top concern for anyone working on campus if they want to make a difference such as she did.

“I think you put students’ needs as a priority since they are the primary reason why we are here and to treat everyone you deal with the way you would like to be treated,” she said.

This positive attitude and willingness to help is why Anita Davis makes a difference.

Last Updated July 2, 2007>