Five on Friday

Featuring Megan Skinner '01, coordinator of faculty and student services/graduation specialist

1. What is your role within the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies?
I make all the cohort schedules for each program, order diplomas three times a year, make sure students get their cap and gowns before graduation in May, help answer Blackboard questions, transcript credit hours from other colleges into our students' records ... and plenty of other odds and ends that need to be done!

2. You're a Sunday school teacher, choir member and church board member. Why do you choose to be so active in your church?
I was born and raised at the Manteno Church of the Nazarene and I love everyone who goes there. In regards to being a Sunday school teacher, I had the best youth leaders when I was a teenager and I grew so much in my faith during that time. I know I cannot compare to Todd and Angela Craig, but I hope that my senior high girls can turn to me to be a spiritual leader for them and know that I will always be there to support and encourage them. They have actually inspired and uplifted me so many times over the last couple of years; I am extremely blessed to be a part of their lives.

When I was elected to the Church board three years ago, I felt honored that people trusted me enough to make important decisions for the church. It is so neat to see the inner workings of a church and I enjoy every meeting; no matter how crazy they might be. I love to sing, just not by myself, so choir was the obvious choice. I am truly blessed to have such an amazing church family.

3. You're a former college athlete who still often works out twice a day - training for anything in particular these days?
I actually only work out twice a day once or twice a week to change things up a bit and stay fit. I had knee surgery a year ago after I ran the Chicago Marathon, so really I am just trying to get back to running again. I will never be able to run another marathon, but I'm seriously thinking about another half marathon in a year or two. I have two 5K races in March and April, but after that, I'm not sure what I'll be doing. I've already done a few mini-triathlons, but I am always looking for other venues to compete. I'm up for suggestions!

4. We hear you're a fan of musicals. What's one show you could see over and over again?
I love musicals! Unfortunately, I haven't been to a lot of live shows, but one that I did get to see and would love see again is Wicked. I'm very excited for the Wicked movie to come out in 2010 ... it should be pretty good.

5. What's one thing you're looking forward to doing during your Christmas vacation?
I will be so happy to be done with Christmas shopping ... I HATE shopping. Seriously though, I cannot wait to spend time on Christmas day with my family and watch my niece and nephew open their gifts. I'm also looking forward to seeing friends and just relaxing.