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been gratifying to help to resolve problems, meet people in other departments, across the university and in the community at large, and to make constructive changes to the department.

What have you found most challenging? In my opinion the most challenging aspect of this job is the so-called "day-to-day operation" of the department.  There's always a problem that needs to be resolved, papers that need to be read and signed, letters and memos that need to be written and, of course, that never-ending stream of e-mail requests and queries

Were there things about the job that came as a surprise? No real surprises--I knew what I was in for.  The most important thing for me is not to let this job (or any other for that matter) consume me.  I enjoy retreating to my home office (a.k.a. military museum) at the end of the day, researching antique swords and medals over a glass of sherry or a pint of beer and not thinking or worrying about work.  I have many heroes, not one of whom said on his deathbed--"If only I had spent more time at the office!"  It is important to add that I work well with the various Deans, the Associate Head and the Graduate Coordinator, all of whom are a great help to me.  Also, everyone around here knows that the Staff are amazing.

We all know your great sense of humor. Have there been any funny moments for you as head? The only funny moment so far was one particularly hectic week.  After a really busy day I dashed home, put on a suit and fancy bow tie and dashed out to make it to a reception in honor of a conference on Brazil.  I left my house thinking that I was running late, only to find out that I had arrived a week early!  The professor whose house it was not a little surprised to see the dept. head, clad in suit and bow tie, come screeching to a halt in front of her house, hurtle up the driveway and bang frantically on her front door.  After the initial shock, she and her husband did take pity on me and I was duly invited inside for cheese and crackers.

What things in your past prepared you best for performing administrative duties?  I served as undergraduate advisor for Spanish.  I also served on the Senate as chair of the steering committee.  Due to the large amount of Spanish majors and minors the advisor job put me in contact with every personality type imaginable.  Even so, I am proud of the fact that students never left my office in tears!  With the advising I also learned the art of time management, as well as how to be decisive and not to be afraid of making decisions.  It is always important to do your homework with administrative jobs and I do try to stay on top of all the rules and regulations. Other preparation is just common sense, or perhaps personality.  I don't get angry, and that helps when you are dealing with large groups of people.  Keeping appointments, listening to what people have to say and treating them with respect are other important aspects of this job.

What are some of the things you've been able to accomplish? These first two years have mostly been spent coming to grips with the new job.  Some straightforward accomplishments include: meeting the equipment needs of the faculty, e.g. in my first year, which was, financially, a difficult year for UGA, I managed to secure new computers, printers and scanners for all those who requested these items.  Other accomplishments: reformulating and reinvigorating the Spanish graduate curriculum, addressing issues of salary compression, helping people through the dreaded tenure process, putting departmental policies and procedures in writing so as to avoid or prevent future confusion, negotiating for new positions in the department and filling those positions.

What is your philosophy of leadership? My simple philosophy is to make people feel comfortable with their position in the department so that they do their best work.  Bringing out the best in the faculty and students is the direction in which I would like to take the department.