In observance of Women’s History Month, Nebraska Today has partnered with the Chancellor’s Commission on the Status of Women to feature female office/service staff who go above and beyond in their work at Dear Old Nebraska U. This Women of Service series will run in Nebraska Today through March 31.
The series continues today with Cindy DeRyke, project associate for graduate programs in Educational Administration. She was nominated by Nick Pace, chair and professor of Educational Administration.
In her work, DeRyke supports students, faculty and staff within the department. Every semester she manages hundreds of permission codes, assuring that students are enrolled in the right courses. She is also the first and frequent point of contact for students in the program.
“Cindy is a constant, steady source of support for our students, faculty and staff,” Pace said. “After only a couple of emails and phone calls, our distance education students feel like they have a trusted friend, supporter and problem solver on the other end of the line. And that often winds up with hugs of gratitude when students reach graduation.”
DeRyke sat down with the Chancellor’s Commission on the Status of Women to discuss what inspires her on and off campus.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I started at the university in the Word Processing Center of the Teachers College in 1989 and moved to Educational Administration in 2003. In 2013 I become the graduate secretary (now project associate-graduate programs) for the department.
How long have you been at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln?
33 years.
What do you look forward to when you come to work?
I enjoy working with the students, faculty, and staff at the university.
What is your favorite memory at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln?
Seeing my son, Joseph, walk across the stage when he graduated in 2011 from the College of Business.
What is your life like outside of work?
I spend a lot of time with my family. I have two great-nephews who are very active in sports and I attend as many of their activities as I can. I like to travel — most of my vacations are to Florida where my son lives. I also enjoy crafts, mostly crocheting and cross-stitching.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I grew up in Lincoln, attended school at Belmont Elementary, Goodrich Junior High and Lincoln High School. All of my family is here, with the exception of my son. And, for extra funds to pay for vacations, I do APA editing and formatting on dissertations for doctoral students.
