Editor’s Note — This is part of a Women’s History Month series featuring women who make a positive impact on the campus community through their work as office/service employees. The Women of Service series is organized by the Chancellor’s Commission on the Status of Women. Stories will run every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in Nebraska Today through March 30.
When it comes to advising and engaging with students, Jaylen Peters is the welcoming force for the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s College of Business.
An administrative support associate with the college’s Business Advising and Student Engagement Office since October 2018, Peters is responsible for distributing scholarships to Nebraska Business students, tending to the daily needs of advisers, managing student assistants and maintaining an orderly office.
“Jaylen continuously goes above and beyond in her work with students, staff, and the college as she identifies ways to make students feel more welcome, to improve communication with students, and streamline the college’s scholarship awards,” said Jennifer Mostek, director of Business Advising and Student Engagement. “Even when she is not physically present when people arrive, she has trained and developed our student employees to ensure that anyone who enters is welcomed and they are assisted promptly.”
The Chancellor’s Commission on the Status of Women reached out to get to know Peters and learn more about her dedication to students, faculty and staff at Nebraska U. Her interview follows.
Tell us more about yourself.
I grew up on a farm in rural Nebraska, loving every minute I got to spend outdoors, especially if I had a camera in my hand. I graduated from Metropolitan Community College with an associates in digital photography, and then came to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln for my bachelor’s degree in business administration. I’ve always loved being on campus and close to home, so working at UNL was an easy decision. It also allows me to help with harvest on the farm, which is my favorite time of the year.
What do you look forward to when you come to work?
I most look forward to working with my coworkers. We have a very amazing and supportive environment in the College of Business, and no matter what kind of day you’re having, there’s always someone to make you laugh or help you with a problem. My position also allows me to work with other departments in our building, making it fun to work together as a larger team.
What is your favorite memory on campus?
It’s actually as a student. I was sitting in Spanish class my first semester and I was listening to our foreign exchange classmate talk about how she was considering staying in America for the summer but didn’t have anywhere to stay. I just blurted out that she could stay with my family over the summer on the farm, and she actually took me up on the offer. We’ve been best friends ever since, and I’ve visited her twice in the Netherlands, I was even maid of honor at her wedding. Some of the longest friends I’ve ever had were met in classes here, where we bonded over hours of studying for a finance test, or working on our latest marketing presentations.
What is your life like outside of work?
I usually split my time between traveling and hanging out with friends and family. I love to play tag and hide-and-seek with my nieces. I’m also always planning my next trip — which usually involves some type of hiking or outdoor activity. Most recently I solo traveled to the Netherlands to meet one of my nieces for the first time.
What is something that most people don’t know about you?
I’ve completed the Manitou Incline — a hike in Manitou Springs, Colorado, that follows the path of an old railcar — twice. It’s up a 68 degree incline and you gain 2,000 feet in elevation in less than a mile. I originally wanted to complete to support a friend training for the Boston Marathon. I chose to complete it a second time for the personal experience and great view.
Also, I’ve never eaten a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in my life. People ask about the quirk — I don’t like jams or jelly, so my parents never made them for snacks or lunches. Now everyone tells me they’re going to try and get me to eat one because I’m missing out.
