Real People Profiles: Trisha Wells

Thu, 02 Apr 2015 12:24:00 -0400
real-people-profiles

We're asking some of the people you might encounter on the UMBC campus, including students, faculty, staff and alumni, to answer a few questions about themselves and their experiences. These are their responses.

Name: Trisha Wells

Hometown: if you mean originally, Wooldridge, MO (pop 56); now I live in Silver Spring.

Q: How long have you been at UMBC?

A: Started in April 2014.

Q: What is your current title (job or student organization position)?

A: Director, Student Affairs Administrative and Business Services.

Q: In 12 words or less, what role(s) do you play on campus?

A: Make sure the money "works" in the Division of Student Affairs.

Q: What aspect of your UMBC role(s) do you enjoy most?

A: Working with staff throughout the entire Division and problem solving how to do our work in the best possible way.

Q: What is the most important or memorable thing you learned in college/have learned at UMBC?

A: As I've only been here a short time, I'm hesitant to put what I've learned so far into such a significant category. I hope to be here a long time and have way more memorable things. So far, the most important thing learned is how to document our activities to avoid an audit finding. A memorable thing learned is how much the Division seems to enjoy being social together. My last job didn't have a lot of personal connections being made so I am very much looking forward to building friendships here.

Q: What is one way you have worked with others to make a positive difference at UMBC or in another community?

A: My volunteer passion is VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance). January through April of every year, I spend about 8 hours a week helping low income taxpayers complete their returns. It is so satisfying to help someone who doesn't understand the process to get credits and deductions that increase their refund. Often times, I've been able to teach students about education tax credits that helped them pay their tuition. It also keeps me fascinated because one person can never know everything about the tax code!

Q: Complete this sentence: "I am a big fan of __________"

A: Diet Coke.

Q: Do you have any UMBC stories, little-known facts about UMBC, favorite spots on campus, or anything else you’d like to share?

A: A colleague introduced me to the little cafe in the business park. It's a lovely walk over the pond to the On Air Cafe. The food is down home yummy and the staff make you feel like you are visiting their home. On a pretty day, it's a great lunch!

Co-Create UMBC is a blog for and about UMBC, written by David Hoffman and Craig Berger from the Office of Student Life. Join the Co-Create UMBC group on MyUMBC. Like Co-Create UMBC on Facebook. And follow David and Craig on Twitter.