Annelie Klein hopes she makes things just a little bit easier for the students, faculty and fellow staff members she serves.
As graduate programs administrator for the College of Environment and Design, Klein makes sure the college’s master’s and doctoral students are on the right track.
“What’s been wonderful about working here is meeting all of the different students and watching them excel,” she said. “They’re following their dreams. They’re getting their Ph.D. They’re getting their master’s degree. I’ve just been really impressed with the students.”
Klein has been serving UGA students since 1998, when she began selling meal plans. She then became assistant manager at the Bulldog Café for about a year before leaving the university and working in other sales positions.
In 2002, Klein returned to UGA and spent 10 years at the Mary Frances Early College of Education in various roles. She then moved to the College of Pharmacy for another 10 years doing similar administrative duties.
Around 2012, Klein took on additional responsibilities at the College of Pharmacy that included working with graduate students, and that became her focus. She earned her academic advising and diversity and inclusion certificates and has worked with graduate programs since then. Klein joined the College of Environment and Design in 2022.
“I have immensely enjoyed working with graduate students,” she said.
Klein feels a particular kinship with the international students she’s served over the years. She’s a first-generation American herself. Her father was German, and when he began his education at Auburn University, he became involved with fellow international students. That exposed Klein’s family to a variety of cultures and experiences she carries with her.
“It’s a gift,” she said. “I’m still friends with many of the students I’ve watched get their master’s degree or doctorate.”
Klein sees her role as a little bit of a counselor and a little bit of a re-directioner. She steers students in the right direction when they’re unsure of their path and works with faculty to keep them on the right track. She also coordinates with the Graduate School to make sure students are taking the correct number of hours and the correct courses.
“What I tell students is that I’m with you from matriculation to graduation,” she said.
As part of her role, Klein takes care of course scheduling and hiring graduate assistants. She starts each day with a list and checks off as many of those tasks as possible while solving any problems that come her way.
The most important part of her job, though, is being able to listen and assist when needed. She enjoys watching students grow during their time at UGA.
“I appreciate that graduate students know exactly why they’re here. It’s great to watch their progress and that light come on,” she said. “They’re taking ownership of their lives and taking ownership of their futures. That’s the joy of it.”
Klein also serves the university beyond her own college. She’s on the University Staff Council and co-chairs the council’s Needs and Concerns Committee. It’s her way of supporting fellow staff members by helping to address issues that arise.
Outside of work, Klein is continuing her own education. She’s a visual artist and photographer who was accepted into a Triangle ArtWorks ArtSwell cohort for public art in Athens-Clarke County. She also enjoys attending live music events and traveling.
Whether it is arts or academics, Klein is dedicated in all she does.
“I’m here to make things easier for the students, faculty and staff I work with,” she said. “I’m here to do a good job and represent the university in a positive light.”