Meet a USAC Member: LaDonna Smith
What department do you work in and what is your job title?
I work in the Department of Biological Sciences and my job title is Administrative Officer.
How long have you been a Vanderbilt employee?
I’ve worked at Vanderbilt since August 2017, so almost 5 years!
What has been your career journey to lead you to where you are today?
I started working in higher education at Rice University in Houston, TX in 2013 as a temporary staff assistant. I left Rice in 2017 to move back to Tennessee. In August 2017, I joined the BioSci Department as a Program Coordinator. Within my current department, I have gone from Program Coordinator to Administrative Manager to Administrative Officer.
Do you feel like you have a good work/life balance?
I’m getting there! I’m finally at the place in my career where I don’t feel guilty when I take a few days off. I work with an amazing team that holds the fort down when I’m able to take time off. I couldn’t ask for a greater group of people to work with!
If you could visit any country with no budget, where would you visit?
Probably Germany. My husband and I have been wanting to take a trip to Germany to see castles and drink German beer! 😊
What are you most proud of in your life so far?
My two beautiful girls, Wren (6) and Maggie (2).
Name two things you consider yourself to be good at?
Problem solving and organizing chaos.
What is your favorite outdoor activity?
Skateboarding! My husband built a quarter pipe (skate ramp) in our driveway and we are very much looking forward to skating it a lot more this summer! Second to skateboarding would be bird watching. I am patiently awaiting the return of our sweet little hummingbirds that visit us around this time each year through late summer.
What is something on your bucket list?
Visit Costa Rica. I’m hoping to make that happen next year!
If you had an extra hour each day, how would you spend it?
Snuggle with my girls! 😊