Jamie Haskel
Director, Center Operations
School of Social Work
1. Please introduce yourself and describe your role at UMB.
My name is Jamie Haskel and I have been a part of the School of Social Work Staff for approximately 27 years. I am the Director of Center Operations for the Family Welfare Research and Training Group. The work we do is funded through interagency agreements with the Maryland Department of Human Services to provide research, data analysis, management reporting, and training around income support programs. I look at my role within the organization as to primarily "keep the lights on." I do this by making sure our staff has what they need, our funders are provided with the most accurate and helpful information, our bills are paid, our invoices are timely, and our agreements are renewed. I find the work we do to be fulfilling because I know that by supporting DHS we are helping to improve services to underprivileged and vulnerable children and families.
2. Why are you interested in serving on the Staff Senate?
I am interested in serving on the Staff Senate in order to do my part to help all staff members navigate these unprecedented times. I hope to use my experience and leadership to bring ideas and direction to the administration that will ensure the staff are treated in a way consistent with the values of the University. Volunteering on boards and for organizations like the Staff Senate is something I feel is important and I enjoy. My volunteer experiences include chairing the SSW Staff Council, coaching youth sports and leading parent organizations, volunteering with the Scouting America Program (BSA), leading a neighborhood association, and participating on executive boards for National and Statewide organizations. I get satisfaction from helping others and want to expand that by being a part of the UMB Staff Senate.
3. What do you hope to accomplish during your term?
My focus during my first term on the staff council will be to make sure the needs of the staff are heard and there is transparency when important decisions need to be made by the campus administration. I want to work toward returning a stronger sense of community among the staff on campus by helping to find and advertise events and activities that will draw more people in to participate.
4. Describe your hobbies and interests outside of work.
My hobbies and interests outside of work currently include attending live college sporting events (Go Terps!!), camping, hiking, listening to live music, cooking, taking back road rides on my motorcycle, and most importantly spending time with my wife Wanda (who works on campus for the Law School). Now that our children (Miranda 21and Danny 18) are becoming self-sufficient college students, Wanda and I have been looking to find more time for activities and finding joy in life.
