Jennifer Gantt, with Mason President Ángel Cabrera, says her job as operations manager for the Arlington Campus "enables me to have a better understanding of people from all walks of life." Photo by Lathan Goumas.
Jennifer Gantt, who is celebrating her 20th year at George Mason University, has seen the institution from many angles.
She began as the executive assistant to the dean of Mason’s Law Library, went on to be the office administrator at the Schar School of Policy and Government and has spent the past 12 years as operations manager for the Arlington Campus.
“Jennifer looks out for people who keep the campus and its facilities running smoothly,” said Jay Moon, director of operations for the School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution. “Her warmth and concern for everyone are always evident and are part of what make her invaluable to the Mason community.”
In recognition of her contributions, Gantt is Mason’s August Employee of the Month.
“Surprised and appreciated,” Gantt said. “I know I work hard every day, and I know people recognize that, but it’s not something I was expecting.”
As the Arlington administration’s liaison to the campus, Gantt engages with all academic units and vendors and sometimes helps with events. But it is the small gestures that really resonate, such as organizing volunteers for housekeeping duties during the annual holiday party so housekeeping staff can enjoy themselves.
“Every day is different,” Gantt said. “I do what I can do in an eight- or nine-hour day and start again the next day.”
How she got here: Prior to coming to George Mason I worked at Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute. One of my colleagues left to come to Mason. She told me what a great place it is to work, with the added benefit that it closed when it snowed.
Best day on the job: The best day is prior to fall orientation. During fall orientation is when students typically come in with their family members. It always gives me pleasure to meet their parents or other family members, to ask them about their program, where they're from and to wish them good luck with their studies.
What she likes most about working at Mason: Every day is different. I get to meet people from all over the world, which enables me to have a better understanding of people from all walks of life.
What she does when she is not working: I volunteer and spend as much time as I can with my daughter, granddaughter and son-in-law.