Staff Spotlight – Jamie Gratrix

Pronouns: she/they Hometown: I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago but have lived in Madison for much longer so consider Madison my hometown now. Educational/professional background: I graduated from UW Madison with a BS in Natural Resources and my professional path led me towards project management in clinical settings until I was brave enough to jump out of my comfort zone and apply to the posting GWS listed. I am so happy to have landed at GWS & to be surrounded by Badgers!
How long have worked at GWS? I began my role as Department Administrator in September 2021. What is your role in the department? I help folks remember deadlines, support inquiries around policies & procedures, and help everyone get their paychecks.
What do you like about working in GWS? The people – the students, the faculty, the instructors, and my team members on the staff team! I also love that the lakeshore path is just a few steps away.
What books are on your nightstand? I love to read & keep a book in every room! Three books I’ve been trying to finish are Work Won’t Love You Back by Sarah Jaffe, Lao Tzu: Tao Te Ching: A Book About the Way and the Power by Ursula K. Le Guin, & The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich. And if you’re looking to add to your TBR pile, Nagini Anarchy, the most recent book in my speculative fiction series was featured on Madison Magazine’s list of 12 Wisconsin connected LGBTQ+ reads to check out for Pride Month!
Do you have any media recommendations to share? Two shows that I’ve enjoyed are Extraordinary Attorney Woo and Panchayat. Two video games that I’ve enjoyed recently are Pentiment and Vampire Survivor.
What are your hobbies or interests? Reading, writing, seeing what’s new on Game Pass, making my friends laugh, & sitting quietly with my cat Marceline & her son Elroy.