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Tech’s Susan Henry recognized for 35 years of service to campus
From left: Susan Henry receives her 35-year service pin from Tech Vice President for
Student Affairs Cynthia Polk-Johnson.
A Tennessee Tech University employee was honored recently for 35 years of service.
Susan Henry was the longest-serving staff member recognized by President Phil Oldham
at the university’s annual service pin ceremony. Altogether, more than 90 staff members
were honored for their years of service in increments of five years.
Henry works in the division of Student Affairs, where she serves as an administrative
associate in the Center for Student Engagement.
“Susan has truly immersed herself in all Tech has to offer, earning her bachelor’s
and master’s degrees while employed full-time, serving as a teaching assistant, and
attending special events, lectures, performances, athletic and student events,” said
Katherine W. Aikens, assistant vice president for strategic initiatives and dean of
students.
Aikens points out that she has worked in various roles with Henry for 20 years, beginning
when Aikens was a graduate assistant and moving up the ranks from coordinator and
director to her current position.
“If you look up synonyms for ‘Susan Henry,’ you’ll find ‘multitasker,’ ‘hard-working’
and ‘encourager,’” she said. “Susan is an advocate for the student’s needs and goes
above and beyond to help them succeed.”
Henry says the best part of her job is and always has been helping students.
“Student Engagement hosts all types of events for the students. I get to enjoy all
the fun activities we plan and host. It’s fun hanging out with the students in a fun
atmosphere,” she said.
Making long-time connections has also been meaningful for her.
“The most rewarding thing to me has been meeting so many students over the years.
Our department plans and hosts the Homecoming parade, so I get to see many of them
return for that. Some of them even have families of their own by then,” Henry said.
As a life-long learner with a love for knowledge, Henry said she simply enjoys being
part of Tech’s vibrant campus community.
“Working on a university campus gives you access to so many activities, speakers,
and knowledge. I have attended so many interesting events hosted on campus and consulted
with faculty on numerous occasions for specific issues,” she said.
Henry was already working when she took her first college course, which helped her
improve her writing skills. By taking a class at a time, she eventually earned both
a bachelor’s and a master’s degree.
“I’ve taken classes just for the fun of it since then, and all my supervisors and
co-workers have been mentors to me, too, because I’ve learned something from all of
them,” Henry said.
For her service at Tech, she has received an Outstanding Staff Award, been recognized
as a University Ambassador of the Month and served as chairman of the Staff Advisory
Committee to the President, on behalf of which she offered remarks at President Emeritus
Bob Bell’s retirement ceremony.
“Speaking to a large group of prominent people in a formal setting was a first for
me,” she said.
Henry has also served on committees for various events, including Boys State, Governor’s
Schools and Window on the World Festival.
Outside her professional role, Henry is active in her church, helps with several elderly
family members, enjoys playing golf and works on the farm where she lives.
