Meet Michele Graybeal
Meet Michele Graybeal, from Kingsport, Tennesssee. Michele has worked in the Office of Student Affairs since 2008. An alumna of ETSU and former pharmacy technician, she spent five years working with student musicians and guest artists at The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg before returning home to the Tri-Cities. Her current position as Student Life Coordinator allows her to work with the people she most enjoys: students. Michele looks forward to further developing her administrative knowledge in the areas of student service and advocacy.
What brought you to Gatton?
MG: When my husband and I were moving back to Tennessee, I knew I wanted a job that worked closely with students. When I saw that ETSU had a position in Student Affairs at the College of Pharmacy, it seemed almost too good to be true. Eleven years later, it still does.
Describe what your role at the college?
MG: I could just stick with a title that one student gave me: Weird Stuff Liaison. That covers at least part of it. I work with fantastic staff, students, and faculty to plan and execute events, keep students on track with requirements, support student organizations, and help advise the Student Life and Wellness Committee.
What do you love most about it?
MG: The students. They make the worst days better, and the best days song-worthy. I love them! And that is an attitude that pervades the whole college. Our faculty and staff are caring people who are always seeking better ways to do things, with the goal to prepare and serve our future pharmacists. It’s a unique environment that embraces one of my favorite quotes: “There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.” In that way, I think our college is full of people with very healthy hearts.
How do you impact students?
MG: My whole job is about students. I hope every day that the impact I have on them is a positive one. Their impact on this university and community is undeniable. I sometimes feel that my job is to just be proud of them as if they are my own kids.
What do you do in your free time?
MG: Sniff candles, read theology articles, listen to podcasts, play with my daughter, go on walks outside, eat Jalapeno cheese curls, dream of Autumn leaves, practice anger management while driving, make up silly songs, comedy improv with my husband, take micro-naps.
What is your last TV binge?
MG: The Office. Except Seasons 8 & 9, yuck.
What books are on your nightstand?
MG: Liar’s Winter by friend and author Cindy K. Sproles; Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions.
What’s a “weird” fact about yourself that many might not know?
MG: I am the (self-proclaimed) champion of Elaine-dancing. I Elaine-danced in my wedding gown before walking down the aisle. I give lessons, call me.
Anything else you want to mention?
MG: If anyone reading this is considering a career in pharmacy, explore your options there. The career has changed dramatically just since I started here. There are at least dozens of different paths in pharmacy now, and it’s a challenging yet exciting time in health care.