Focus on Staff With Linda Pettyjohn

If you’ve walked through the CARE/Crawley Atrium, past the Dean’s Suite—and who on the medical campus hasn’t?—you’ve undoubtedly seen Linda Pettyjohn, who occupies the desk closest to the door and serves as a one-woman welcoming committee. A self-described "people person,” she’s well suited to the role, and was happy to answer a few of our questions. 

How long have you been at UC and what brought you to UC? 

This year I will celebrating my seventh anniversary at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.  In 2007 I was working for an architectural and construction company, but due to the economy’s downfall and the lack of new construction being done the employer was forced to downsize and I was left without a job. I immediately began a job search and located a position at the College of Medicine Dean’s Office for which I applied and was hired. Dr. Thomas Boat is the College of Medicine’s dean, and I truly enjoy working with him. The added benefit is that I have had the opportunity to meet such nice people who are so interesting and inspiring and some of whom have become lifelong friends.

What is a typical day like for you? 

My official title is program coordinator, although throughout the day I wear many hats. I am the front line person in our office and welcome in person or via telephone all visitors who enter the Dean’s Office Suite. I assist in planning and coordinating the many meetings, special events and receptions sponsored by the Dean’s Office. This is often challenging, but mostly it is exciting and fun to see everything come together to make for a successful event!  Also, I am the primary scheduler responsible for entering and confirming room requests via the R-25 system. This is the system used by the College of Medicine community to request meeting space for classrooms, lecture halls, Grand Rounds and various symposiums and special events throughout the CARE/Crawley Building, the Medical Sciences Building, Kettering Labs and the Stetson Building. Sometimes it is a daunting task, but for the most part it is enjoyable.  

What do you enjoy about your job? 

My current position gives me the opportunity to meet so many interesting and nice people each and every day. I have daily contact with College of Medicine faculty, doctors and administrators, staff, medical students and graduate students as well as the many visitors who come to campus. I see myself as a people person, so this is certainly one of the things I love most about my job.  

Tell us something people wouldn’t expect about you.

I like to write poetry when I can find the time and I have enjoyed country line dancing for over 17 years. I’m a huge country music fan! 

Aside, from work, what keeps you busy?  

I am the mother of four children and grandmother to nine but soon to be 10 beautiful grandchildren so there is always something to do.  I enjoy decorating and cooking, which comes in pretty handy with my group. When I am not busy with family I really enjoy gardening and being with my friends.  I play BUNKO, occasionally go country line dancing and enjoy going out to dinner and movies with friends. I travel to Nashville as frequently as I can to visit my son, daughter-in- law and four gorgeous grandkids. Thankfully, my other children and grandchildren are local so I can see them often. I think life is so much fun and I try to enjoy every moment.