When you walk into the College of Pharmacy’s Office of Student Success (OSS), the first face you’re likely to be greeted by is Patti Pfeifer. The Pulse spoke with the OSS administrative coordinator, who helps keeps things running smoothly for all team members to help create transformational leaders.
Are you originally from Northeast Ohio? If yes, what part? If no, where did you grow up?
Yes and no. I was born in Akron. I went to elementary school in Barberton, middle school and first two years of high school in Wooster at Triway Local Schools and my last two years of high school at Lakeland High School in Freeport, Ohio. My father was self-employed in heating and air conditioning and went where the work would take him. After high school, I came back to the Akron area. I moved to Hubbard, Ohio to be closer to family from 2000-2011 and now I reside in Suffield, Ohio.
What brought you to NEOMED?
I was always interested in applying at NEOMED, but it took me getting laid-off to finally do it. I was an administrative assistant in manufacturing for 26 years but never felt it was where I belonged. I immediately felt I belonged at NEOMED.
What is your role with the Office of Student Success?
I support the faculty and pharmacy students in areas of pipeline, student and workforce development and alumni relations. I help coordinate events for these areas, purchasing supplies, liaison with hospital and community sites regarding sponsored events, scheduling meetings and day-to-day operations of the office.
How does the Office of Student Success help create transformational leaders?
We are here to help and support our pharmacy students succeed in career growth at all stages. We want them to be proud of who they are and to always remember the reason they wanted to be a pharmacist. We are excited to see them gain confidence and knowledge to be successful and hope they can look back to recognize the support provided to them but to always pay it forward on their journey as well.
What do you enjoy about working at NEOMED?
I enjoy the teamwork to make things happen. To be included in meetings where everyone’s opinion is taken under consideration to help with the success of the curriculum, events and projects to ensure the best outcomes for our students. I also appreciate that work-life balance is important to insure we are giving our best.
What are some things you like to do outside of work?
I love being outdoors and love animals, especially horses and dogs. I like getting my hands dirty gardening and planting. I enjoy decorating my home (it annoys my husband that I rearrange furniture to make it look and feel new). I love to make crafts, gift baskets, scrapbooking and cross-stitch.