During Joy Wilson’s more than two decades at UGA, she has tried to tell people “no” as little as possible.
Instead, she tries to see how she can help with any requests or questions that come her way.
“I’m not the kind of person who says ‘Oh, no, that’s not my job,’ ” Wilson said. “Even if it’s not something I normally handle, I will try my best to help or get them to the person they need.”
Wilson started at the university as a word processing secretary, mainly typing exams, manuscripts, abstracts and grant requests for faculty members. She then moved up to admissions counselor when the department merged with two others within the College of Pharmacy, before finally reaching her current job as administrative manager of the college’s pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences department.
“The College of Pharmacy is a wonderful place to work, and I truly feel like this is my family,” Wilson said. “I’ve been fortunate that I’ve worked with some great people and been able to stay here for as long as I have.”
While she has had to move offices four times during her 24 years at UGA, Wilson said her work ethic has remained the same.
“I make sure whatever needs to be done gets done,” she said. “Pretty much anyone who comes by and needs something, I try to help them out.”
As an administrative manager, Wilson approves orders, manages departmental accounts, handles paperwork for visas and works with Human Resources on background searches.
Wilson’s efforts and great service have not gone unnoticed. She was named the College of Pharmacy’s 2013 employee of the year. She received the same award in 1998 and is the only staff member to be honored twice. In the letter recommending her for the award, Wilson is credited with creating “the department’s positive culture,” and she is commended for being an “enthusiastic team player.”
Wilson said just being nominated meant a lot, but winning was “very surprising.”
“Everyone says I deserve it, but you never quite think that you deserve those kind of accolades,” she said. “I appreciate that people recognize that I do a good job though.”
In the first quarter of 2014, Wilson also received the college’s STAR Award for her demonstrated STAR qualities-service, teamwork, attitude and reliability.
“I’m the type of person who takes pride in the job I do, which I enjoy doing,” Wilson said.
Outside of work, Wilson travels to various places throughout the country. She also enjoys spending time at amusement parks, especially Six Flags over Georgia on UGA Night, an event she’s attended for the past eight years.
“I absolutely love it because it’s cooler weather, the lines aren’t as long and 6 p.m. to midnight is the perfect amount of time to do everything,” she said.
Wilson also takes care of her golden retriever, Idgie, who is named after a character in Fried Green Tomatoes, the 1991 comedy-drama film.
“She’s 86 pounds and thinks she’s a lap dog,” Wilson said. “She’s also kind of a big baby who can get scared of her own shadow.”
Wilson said she plans to stay in Clarke County, where her mother, sister and brother all live. She also plans to continue working in the College of Pharmacy for the foreseeable future.
“I really like all aspects of my job but especially my interactions with everyone from faculty all the way down to graduate students and visitors,” Wilson said. “I can only imagine that if I left, I would still come here. When I got on the road, I would automatically drive to the College of Pharmacy.”
