Title: Business Affairs Coordinator
Working Title: Business Manager
Family: Married to J C Futrell for 30 years; one daughter, Jestein who is an architect.
How long have you worked at Georgia State University? 19 years.
What do you do on a typical day? On any given day, I consult with our chair and faculty on a variety of issues ranging from administrative and financial to academic. Additionally, I respond to public inquiries and other administrative units, manage the department's financial affairs, implement university and departmental policies and procedures, advise students, supervise clerical staff, manage personnel matters and assist with class scheduling.
I am the point of contact for any issues that may arise--I will either resolve the issue or make an appropriate referral.
My job is enjoyable. It gives me an opportunity to share my knowledge and skills with a great group of students who want to make a better life for themselves and others. I get to see and have a part in the student's transition from a high school learner to a collegiate learner, becoming critical thinkers who will help to shape the minds of other young people and the direction of this country.
What's your background? I started my career in state government in another state and I also worked in the entertainment industry. My education is in business administration and I have a MBA degree. My husband and I relocated to Georgia in the 80's. Prior to my employment in the Department of African-American Studies I held positions in the College of Arts and Sciences' Academic Assistance and Scheduling Offices.
What do you do when you are not working? I spend a great deal of time with my family, traveling and collecting handcrafted art.
What is your favorite thing in your office? I enjoy the magnificent view from my window of downtown Atlanta and the entertainment from Woodruff Park. Sometimes it's like having a concert next door.
What don't people know about you? On one of my trips to Ghana, West Africa I participated in and was invited by one of the chiefs to carry the official parade banner along with other distinguished guests for Reverential Night in Cape Coast, Ghana. Reverential Night is an annual vigil to remember all the people who walked through the "door of no return" at the Cape Coast Castle Dungeon and is attended by many people from around the world. It was indeed an honor to have a chief welcome me, an American, in such an honorable way and an experience that will always be close to my heart.
If you weren't working at Georgia State, what would your ideal job be? I would be the owner of a tour company.