Someone You Should Know

Margie Foshe, Administrative Aide
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Margie Foshe, administrative aide in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Dean's Office, joined NIU in 1977. She has served on the Operating Staff Council and Operations Advisory Committee, and is the current trustee for the Village of Lee, where she lives with her husband and three dogs.

What are the responsibilities of your position?
I serve as the assistant to Dean Joseph Grush in all matters relating to the processing of academic contracts and personnel documents. I work with staff in the college's departments, office and centers in all aspects of the hiring process of regular and temporary faculty and SPS employees. I am responsible for producing regular reports on current budgetary obligations and utilization of positions assigned to each cost center, as well as researching historical salary and cost data and producing special reports.

How did you choose your profession?
I was eligible for a trainee program and was allowed to pick the company that I wanted to work for, provided that I could convince that company to hire me. My mother, Dora Higgins, who was on medical leave from NIU, suggested that I try Northern. I was hired on at $3 per hour and the rest is history.

What's the best part of your job?
First and foremost, my boss. I consider myself to be extremely fortunate to have the honor of working for a man that I truly respect and who is an asset to this university. Secondly, the College of LA&S has many terrific chairs, directors and lead secretaries that I work with on a daily basis, and those people help to make my job worth it! Last, but not least, I feel appreciated.

What's something unique about your position?
We are the largest college in the university. Clearly, the sheer volume of paperwork is equal to or surpasses the rest of the academic university combined!

If you weren't in your current job field, what would you be doing?
NIU could use a form goddess, although I'm sure that would be an unofficial title. I would take all of Northern's forms, eliminate half of them and make the rest of them user friendly.

What are you reading?
John Grisham's "The Testament."

What music are you listening to lately?
I like country, but when kids are around, I hear Usher, Lil' Bow Wow and other such sounds. Yikes!

What good movies have you seen lately?
I liked "Pearl Harbor."

Do you have a favorite TV show?
I'd have to say "7th Heaven."

Any words to live by?
Count your blessings, not your money!