The A-Team: Building Relationships

Whether it's with coworkers or strangers, there are few things more important to Angie Reid than the relationships she builds with those around her. It's something she learned growing up with nine siblings - life is about helping and caring about others.

For 27 years, Reid has worked as administrative secretary at the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, handling a wide range of responsibilities from supervising work-study students to completing expense reports, scheduling appointments and taking phone calls. However, she said it's the daily interactions with coworkers and visitors that keep her job fresh and entertaining. While moving around the office, she makes sure to chat with coworkers.

"The reason I want to build and maintain relationships is because it makes my job more interesting," Reid said. "I want people to know I care. Having friendships and a support system makes my job more meaningful and appealing."

And she doesn't just focus her time on coworkers and peers. She volunteers with the Durham Rescue Mission during holidays and community events and has previously given time to the Salvation Army and Women in Action, a group that works to empower females personally and professionally. With the help of other office workers, she's organized drives to donate collections of toiletries to the Durham Rescue Mission.

It's that commitment that has impressed Stacy Rusak, associate director of the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Rusak said she's constantly impressed with Reid, including her ability to make visitors feel at home with warm greetings and by engaging in conversations to learn personal details with honest enthusiasm.

"Angie sets a professional tone for the entire office," Rusak said. "She shows genuine interest in people's lives and everyone can learn something from her. Angie is a strong role model for our operational staff."