5 Questions with Jana Pelham
As an administrative assistant in the Office of Admission Jana Pelham is often the first person that visitors and future Grinnellians meet when arriving on campus. She has been greeting visitors for 20 years and has welcomed hundreds (likely thousands) of prospective students and parents, current students, student workers, and staff with a warm smile and a genuine kindness and concern that make her the perfect face of Grinnell. Pelham’s generous spirit was recognized earlier this year when she was named one of the year’s Grand Grinnellian award winners.
Q: Is your family originally from Iowa?
A: Yes! I was born and raised in Iowa on a farm. My husband and I have been married 44 years, and we have two children and six grandchildren. I continue to live in the country, 15 miles north of Grinnell. It is so peaceful, and I love the wide-open space. I am truly blessed that my children and their families are only an hour away.
Q: What does your role at Grinnell entail?
A: My role at Grinnell is multi-faceted. Beyond working individually with visitors to ensure they have an organized and personalized experience on campus from start to finish, I work on various projects and teams, from data-related processing tasks using our CRM, Slate Technolutions, to coordinating classroom experiences with professors for our on-campus events, to scheduling interviews and other on-campus appointments, and so much more. I have worn, and still wear, a variety of hats for the Office of Admission. The diversity and constant innovation of my work gives me so much pleasure and keeps me on my toes.
Q: What was the path that led you to Grinnell?
A: I worked at an elementary school from the time our son and daughter were in kindergarten and first grade, until their first and second year of college. It was at that time I decided, why not go back to college, too? Only for me, it was for work! Throughout the years, I heard a lot of good things about Grinnell College and felt at this point in my life, it would be a great place to work. Since my husband is self-employed, I had to not only find a job I enjoyed, but one with great benefits.
Q: What does life outside of work entail for you?
A: Yes, I work at the college full-time, but my husband and I farm (corn and soybeans), own a small automotive business, and have 3 semis that haul grain. In my spare time I love to go boating, enjoy going to my grandchildren’s events, cooking, working in my yard, and vacationing with family or friends
Q: What has been your experience in working with Grinnellians?
A: Grinnellians are amazing! I cannot tell you how much free education I have received from faculty, staff, and students in my 20 years through conversations, friendships, and collaboration. Students are so open and continue to help educate me.