Get to know: NEOMED (week of Sept. 21)
We probably all know someone like this: You say good morning when you pass in the hall, you chat while waiting for your coffee order and you see them at University events and programs. But you don’t really know who they are or what they do at NEOMED. We’re here to help with the new feature, “Get to know NEOMED”! Each week we’ll share brief profiles of some new faces and some long-time staff.
This week we feature Tori Carpenter, Dixie Weisgarber and Teriah White.
Victoria Carpenter
What is your role here at NEOMED?
I am an operational excellence analyst in the Division of Strategy and Transformation. I wear two different hats in this role. Primarily, I teach Lean Six Sigma under the umbrella of NEOMED Executive Education to both our NEOMED employees and our external hospital affiliate partners. Additionally, I work as an OpEx consultant on various improvement projects for different departments here at the University.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I love that every single day is different. Due to the nature of my work, I get to work on various projects, so no day is the same. I especially love to meet and work with new people and help mentor them through their own improvement projects. It’s especially rewarding to see real, impactful improvements being made in our local hospital systems, all for the greater good and better healthcare. At some point, we all need a doctor, and I feel great knowing that I have a small hand in creating a better patient experience for many people through some of this work.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I am an avid quilter! In my free time you’ll mostly find me at my sewing machine. I love to create, and sewing brings me so much peace. If I am not quilting, I am busy sewing dog bandanas and other fun things for local craft shows. If you can’t find me at my sewing machine, then odds are that I am curled up with a good book.
Dixie Weisgarber
What is your role here at NEOMED?
I have been at NEOMED for almost 5 years. I started as a business manager for the Department of Psychiatry. I was there for a year. Then I was promoted to grant manager in the Department of Family and Community Medicine. I had that position for two years. Now I work as a senior accountant-bursar services in the Accounting Department. I have been in this position for a little over a year and a half.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I love working with the students to help them navigate their student account payments, etc. I love the people I work with. We have an amazing team in the Accounting Department!
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I am a mother of 5 amazing humans! Four are married, and one is engaged. So, I have inherited 5 more children, and I couldn’t be happier. My family is my life! Also, I didn’t go to college until my youngest daughter was 5 years old. I worked full time with 5 children at home while I was in school full time for my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. I was the first person in my family to get a college degree. It was important for me that my children go to college, too. This year, my fifth child graduated from college! Two of my children are high school teachers. One is an amazing artist who also works here at NEOMED 😊. My other son is a computer engineer, and my baby girl is a social worker. Last but not least, I am a Nana to three pretty awesome grandchildren! I love my grandma life!! One pearl of wisdom – date nights matter! My husband and I still go on date night every Friday! It’s the secret to how we are still happily married after 35 years!
Teriah White
What is your role here at NEOMED?
I am the assistant director for the College of Pharmacy. I have been in this role for the past year, but I have been a NEOMED employee for 14 years. In my current role, I support the College of Pharmacy and work closely with faculty, staff and leadership to help achieve the College’s goals. You can find me in the College of Pharmacy Dean’s Office.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
The most enjoyable part of my job is the people I have the opportunity to work with and interact with on a daily basis. Since recently joining the College of Pharmacy, I have been introduced to even more staff and faculty members across NEOMED, which has allowed me to build new relationships and gain a broader understanding of the University and the important work being done throughout the institution. I also enjoy the opportunity to learn and grow. In this position, I have been able to expand my knowledge and take on new experiences. I find it especially rewarding to assist others in achieving common goals and to know that my contributions can help support the success of the team. One of the most fulfilling aspects of working at NEOMED is having the opportunity to observe and support students as they grow professionally and work toward their future careers. It is rewarding to play even a small part in supporting their development and success.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
A fun fact about me is that I have lived in Rootstown my entire life. I have been married to my husband, Shaun, for 24 years, and together we have three wonderful children who have brought us so much joy. We live on a small farm where we raise Angus beef cattle, have approximately 350 chickens, four ducks and maintain a garden. As our children have graduated from high school and become more independent, my husband and I decided to take on a new adventure and start a chicken venture of our own. We quickly became a real-life example of “chicken math”—what started as just a handful of chickens grew to around 350 in a very short amount of time. It has been a fun and unexpected project, and I have been surprised by how much I truly enjoy caring for the chickens. Growing up on a family farm, we had many different animals, but chickens were not one of them, so this has been a completely new experience for both my husband and me. What began as a small project has turned into an enjoyable adventure and has certainly kept us busy!