When faculty, staff, and students in George Mason University’s College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) need support with any technology challenges, they are usually told to “Keep calm and call Terri Ann Guingab,” an instructional designer in the college’s Office of Academic Affairs.
“I once told a colleague, ‘If it has a power plug, I take care of it,’” Guingab said. “And even if it doesn’t have an electrical plug, I’m always happy to help.”
Guingab, who has worked at Mason for 26 years, has helped faculty with online teaching, course design and preparation.
“Terri Ann is the go-to person in our college and has always been there for all of us, ready to assist with any technology-related need,” said Claudia Giliberti, financial analyst for the Department of Health Administration and Policy. “She is a true Patriot.”
Guingab’s colleagues say she is a “Blackboard expert,” an “IT troubleshooter,” a “jack of all trades,” and, oftentimes, a “lifesaver.”
For her guidance and technical skills, Guingab is September Employee of the Month.
“Her hard work and service has allowed faculty to teach more efficiently, and students learn more effectively,” said Alicia Hong, professor of health administration policy in CHHS.
Guingab, a self-described proponent of lifelong learning, earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing in 1996 and a master’s in curriculum and instruction in 2009, both through Mason. She also earned an online teaching certificate in 2012 through the Online Learning Consortium.
Guingab began working at Mason in 1996 and has worked in technical support, website management, photography, video recording and editing, computer lab management, training and teaching, and her primary responsibilities of instructional design and instructional technology support.
She received the inaugural Distance Education Award in 2012 by Mason’s Office of Distance Education for her efforts supporting quality online course offerings. She also received the Outstanding Achievement Award, designed to recognize individuals for their significant achievements for the betterment of the university,
in 2004 by Human Resources and Payroll’s reward and recognition program.
“The impact of her work easily touches more than 90% of the faculty and staff within CHHS,” said P.J. Maddox, professor and chair of the Department of Health Administration and Policy. “She is hands-down considered everyone's most valuable employee.”
How she got to Mason:
I started working for what was then Mason’s College of Nursing and Health Science right after receiving my BSN from Mason in 1996. I thought this would be a part-time summer job while studying for boards and searching for a nursing job. I passed the boards but never got around to that job search because I enjoyed working at Mason so much.
Best day on the job:
It’s hard to pick one after being at Mason for 26 years, but any day where I’m able to help someone out is a great day.
What she likes best about working at Mason:
I love working with an incredibly supportive group of faculty, staff, and students both in CHHS and in the larger Mason community. I also love problem solving and taking on new challenges that help me grow my skills.
What she does when he’s not working:
I’m a huge board game, tabletop role-playing game, and video game nerd. When I’m not being nerdy, I like to paint miniatures, walk and listen to podcasts, go ballroom dancing with my husband, snuggle with our cat Oliver, and eat the delicious meals my husband makes.