Staff Profile on Denise Bignar: Administrative Assistant Says Children Her Focus
Posted on 12/18/2008
Denise Bignar, fourth from left, is surounded by her family, from left: son Joshua Terry, 18; son Justin Terry, 20; daughter-in-law Tasha; daughter Makenzie Terry, 10, daughter, Makayla Terry, 13, daughter Rylie Bignar, 21 months.
Denise Bignar has a very busy schedule.
As a full-time student, wife and mother of five, Denise has her hands full.
When asked what her hobbies include, she replies that she doesn't know what they are because she doesn't have time for them.
"I follow my kids around," she said. "When I'm outside work, I'm about what my kids are doing, what activities they have."
Denise is married to Darren Bignar, who works for the university in Animal Science. She has five children, listed here:
|
Name |
Age |
Location |
Interests |
|
Justin |
20 |
San Diego in the Navy |
Newlywed |
|
Joshua |
18 |
Atlanta, Texas |
High school senior Wants to attend the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. |
|
Makayla |
12 |
Fayetteville |
7th grade Athletic activities |
|
Makenzie |
10 |
Fayetteville |
5th grade PeeWee sports Currently: Basketball |
|
Rylie |
21 months |
Fayetteville |
Walking and talking Caution: Just learned to open doors |
Denise's position at the university was created two years ago and it is "a work in progress." The job duties are extensive for the administrative assistant of Steve Langsner, the assistant dean for academic affairs.
At work, she is the clearance officer for undergraduates in the College of Education and Health Professions. She reviews the catalog copy for accuracy and submits it for undergraduates and, beginning this year, for graduate students as well. She also reviews the undergraduate independent study in the college to make sure it doesn't interfere with the student's graduation date.
Denise completes the athletic certification and the veteran benefit certification for the college, processes applications for honor students and helps non-traditional students complete their old degree plans if the department and program will allow.
Denise said she thinks that her job plays a vital role in Chancellor Gearhart's Students First initiative. She is accommodating to students who reach out for her help and she finds her job very rewarding. "Students call back to say thank you," she said, "and their gratitude carries over all of the students who don't call."
This is Denise's second year as a committee member of the Professional Enhancement Program, the professional development program. Once a month during the school year, classified staff and any inner college employee can attend meetings that are social and educational in nature.
Finally, Denise is on the dean search committee for the college. There are approximately 16 faculty and staff members, one graduate student and one undergraduate student on the committee.
"I am hoping that the new dean will see the benefit in the PEP committee," she said. "It makes us feel like we (the employees) have some value."
Last year, Denise received a Staff Award for crisis management. "I put out fires all day long," she said. "I love my work."
Denise was born in Texarkana, Texas, and raised in Atlanta, Texas, in the northeastern part of the state. She moved back to Arkansas in 2001.
"I am a transplant from Texas, but I am a Razorback," Denise said. "My dad raised me right."
"When I was little, my dad's Toyota was painted red and white and had hog stickers," she said. "He still has season tickets and I try to go when I can as well."
"I moved to Fayetteville strictly on my dad's coattails," she said.
On top of Denise's already full plate, she is a full-time student at the university. She will graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in education, with a major in human resource development.
A 2010 graduation is expected.
"That's my goal," Denise said. "I hope that happens. It's been a long time coming."
"Eventually, I want to be an academic advisor for the college," she said. "I already understand the degree plans."
By Jessica Powviriya, University Relations intern
We want to hear from you. Please e-mail comments and feedback to Heidi Stambuck at stambuck@uark.edu.