Whether planning events, helping to mold future lawyers or identifying issues and seeing they are addressed before they become problematic, Kristy White makes sure the SIU School of Law puts “their best foot forward” whether it is something for faculty, students or guests. Judi Ray, the law school’s assistant dean for administration, notes law school students often go to White for assistance because of her institutional knowledge about the law school. “We know that she will take care of making sure everything is completed in a timely manner but that she will take the time to ask for clarification if she needs it,” Ray said.
Get to know KRISTY WHITE
Name: Kristy White
Department/title: SIU School of Law / office manager, student services assistant
Years at SIU Carbondale: 21 years
Give us the elevator pitch for your job.
I have had many opportunities to work with undergraduate student workers and hopefully I have been able to pass along some of my organizational skills and work ethic to some of them. I have had the privilege to work with many wonderful students both undergraduate and law students and I am sure I have learned as much from them as they hopefully learned from me.
What is the favorite part of your job?
I would have to say that meeting the new incoming class of students each year and having the opportunity to work with them and help in guiding them through their three years in law school has been very rewarding for me. Having been here for over 21 years, I have developed relationships that have lasted after graduation. Working with the Moot Court Program for the past six years, these relationships have been very beneficial when I call on them to assist us during our competitions as volunteer judges.
Why did you choose SIU?
I had thought about coming to SIU but wanted to only work part time and stay close to home when our children were still in school. My husband was working on campus at the Student Center and an opening for an extra help position became available. I was in between jobs and so it seemed like the right time. I worked in the Student Center for six months and then was offered a position in the School of Law and I have been here ever since.
If you could presently live in a different era, such as the 1950s or 1970s, what would it be and why?
If I could return to any previous era and know what I know now, there are decisions and things I might change, but life doesn’t work that way and so we must be content with where we are now. I have always been interested in the early 1900’s, but I like my comfortable lifestyle and wouldn’t want to live there.
What are three things you cannot live without?
Family, air conditioning and fresh air! Especially after the past couple of years!
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