Meet February Classified Employee of the Month Chasity Gragg

Photo courtesy of: Classified SenateChasity (center holding certificate) was surprised to win the February Classified Employee of the Month award.

Compass features a Q&A with the non-bargaining Classified Employee of the Month. Each month, Classified Senate selects an employee to acknowledge and recognize as someone who is setting high standards for excellence and innovation. The monthly feature, titled "Great Job," provides a glimpse into the honoree's life on and off campus.

How surprised were you to win the Employee of the Month award?

I was completely surprised to win. I seriously thought when the description of the award was being read that it was really nice for this certain colleague of mine to be recognized. I thought I was going to laugh, cry and faint all at once as my name was called. I am very honored to have been selected.

What is your job title and how long have you worked it?

I am a library support associate and have been with Alden Library and Ohio University for almost five years now. I started as an overnight supervisor here before moving into my current daylight position with Collections Assessment and Access.

What are the most enjoyable things about your job?

I most enjoy working with students, faculty, staff, and community members. I help them with whatever their need is, be it an account issue, finding the perfect resource for their paper, or just directing them to other resources on campus. I really like understanding our library systems and how they work, to better do my job and help my colleagues as well. I also very much enjoy interacting with my coworkers and learning from them daily.

What is your hometown and where do you live now?

I’m from, believe it or not, a little town named Knockemstiff, Ohio, which is right outside of Chillicothe Ohio. I live in Athens now and while I miss home, my family is close enough for me to visit whenever I want. The best of both worlds!

What are your long-term goals?

My long term goals are to continue to be happy and healthy as long as possible. In the short term, I’d love to continue to learn and grow with Alden Library and the University.

What was the last good book you read?

I’m currently reading “House of Leaves” by Mark Z. Danielewski. It’s pretty good so far!

If you weren’t in your present job, you would be working as a ______.

I’d love to write and manage a band. My grandma always told me if I could do what I loved and would do it for free, figure out a way to get paid for it. Then my life would be much simpler and happier. That’s why I went into library work and promoting lifelong learning. But writing and being involved with creative types for a living would fit the bill too. 

What things in life are the most important to you?

Family, friends and being a positive force in whatever way I can. It’s also important to never stop learning.

Where is your favorite vacation destination?

Anywhere there’s an ocean. I went to San Francisco a few years ago and fell in love with it. I loved just sitting on Ocean Beach and feeling like all was right with the world as the sun set.

What are your hobbies?

Writing, going to concerts, watching films, traveling, cooking and sleeping in on the weekends.

What is something that most people don’t know about you?

That I am a walking, talking fount of weird, offbeat, strange information. Or maybe most people know that, I’m not sure. I planned to join the Peace Corps instead getting a real job and going to graduate school after graduating from Ohio University?

What are your favorite TV shows?

I love “Shameless” and “Game of Thrones.” They’re so good.

Who are your favorite musicians?

Today I’d say Nine Inch Nails, Tool, Type O Negative and Ministry. If asked tomorrow, I’m likely to tell you something different. I enjoy all genres of rock, but mostly hard, industrial, or electronic stuff. No country music for me! Took my mom to see the Rolling Stones and that was a great show.

What is the next big event you can't wait for?

The Rock on the Range rock festival on May 18-20 in Columbus, Ohio. Summer festival concerts are groovy.

Who are your favorite celebrities?

Stephen King, Anthony Bourdain and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Who are the most annoying celebrities?

The Kardashians. Why are they celebrities anyway?

What is your dream car/truck/SUV?

I’m more of a passenger than a driver, but something old like a Chevelle SS from the 1960s or 70s.

What is your favorite saying or quote?

"I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night." - Sarah Williams