Meet Amber Landis, the April 2019 Classified Employee of the Month

The purpose of the Non-bargaining Classified Employee of the Month award is to acknowledge and recognize those who are setting the standards for excellence and innovation at Ohio University.

This recognition is Classified Senate’s way of awarding those employees who have shown outstanding individual achievement and performance of their jobs, while inspiring and supporting the achievement of others. Criteria include:

• Positive attitude and serving as a role model
• Productivity and commitment to quality
• Initiative and taking on additional responsibilities

The April 2019 recipient is Amber Landis, faculty secretary at Ohio University Lancaster, who was nominated by Pam Kaylor, an associate lecturer of communication on the Lancaster Campus.

The following are a sampling of the comments Kaylor wrote about Landis on her nomination form:

"Amber Landis is always positive, competent, and supportive in working with faculty and staff. She is very professional and an editor extraordinaire. She is prompt in handling responsibilities and is a wonderful asset to our campus. Amber is a breath of fresh air on campus - always delightful to work with and a wonderful role model for staff and students. She serves on multiple committees with me and is an integral part of our committees and does a lion's share of the work in many ways. She shows great initiative and is a positive force in contributing to our work. She is focused and motivated - a true hard worker."

These are Landis’ answers to some get-to-know-you questions:

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

I was extremely surprised and honored. Everyone (including my family) did a wonderful job of keeping it a secret.

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

My title is records management associate and I have worked in the OUL Faculty Secretaries’ Office for the past 19 years. I started working at OUL as a student employee right out of high school and have been blessed to hold various positions on campus for the past 33 years.

What are the most enjoyable things about your job?

My main responsibility is supporting our faculty’s instructional needs, so with that comes a variety of tasks. One of the most enjoyable things is being able to work on a wide range of projects alongside different faculty members each day. No two days are the same and our faculty members are great to work with.

What is your hometown and where do you live now?

I grew up near Circleville, Ohio, but I currently live out in the country near Rushville, Ohio.

What are your long-term goals?

I think everyone’s long-term goal is ultimately to be able to stay healthy and enjoy retirement.

What was the last good book you read?

I have read many books so it’s hard to remember the last one that was really good. I usually gravitate towards historical fiction and mystery books. However, the book I just finished was “Sisters First” by Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Pierce Bush.

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

Possibly in the accounting field. When I was going to school, it was kind of a toss up between office skills or working with numbers. I tend to be detail oriented, so accounting fits into those skills.

Where is your favorite vacation destination?

The beach, any beach! I love being near the water, listening to the waves and watching gorgeous sunrises. The vastness of a beach has a calming effect and is great for relaxing and just being still.

What are your hobbies?

I love to read, bake, scrapbook, crochet and do other craft projects.

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

That I’m a total band geek! I played trumpet in high school and loved being a part of our marching band. My kids have been in band as well and I’ve loved every minute of watching them perform. Of course, the Marching 110 is always fun to watch.

What are your favorite TV shows?

“NCIS,” “Mom” and reruns of “Downton Abbey” and “Friends.”

Who are your favorite musicians?

I mostly listen to Contemporary Christian, Country and music from the ‘80s. But my favs right now are Mercy Me, Casting Crowns, Lauren Daigle and Carrie Underwood.

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

Vacation! Many years ago, I watched the movie, “Somewhere in Time,” and have always wanted to go to Mackinaw Island and see The Grand Hotel. We are heading to Michigan in July to mark that destination off my list.

Who are your favorite celebrities?

I don’t really have any favorite celebrities. Though Dennis Quaid stars in some of my favorite movies.

What is your dream car/truck/SUV?

I know it’s not very fancy, but I’ve always loved those little yellow Volkswagen bugs.

What is your favorite saying or quote?

God will never give me more than I can handle.