Staff Spotlight: Maggie Merry

Maggie Merry serves as the assistant dean of finance and administration for the Office of Business Services and has been with Poole College of Management since May 2019. Merry received her bachelor’s degree in 2003 and her Master of Public Administration in 2009 from Ohio State University.

As the assistant dean of finance and administration, Merry is responsible for the oversight of all financial and human resources needs of the college. Currently, she is involved in the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO), the Southern Association of College and University Business Officers (SACUBO), and the GLBT Advocate Program at NC State.

Work at Poole College

Why did you decide to join Poole College?

The community at Poole was honest and welcoming. I loved NC State’s “Think and Do” and felt the college really embraced that.

What is the most common question you receive at work? 

“Am I doing this right?” We’ve gone through a lot of change in the college in terms of our policies and procedures, so there are always lots of opportunities to do something differently or better. I’m here to help!

What have you enjoyed most about your experience at Poole College?

The people – our faculty, staff and students are truly exceptional. 

What do you see as the greatest strengths of Poole College?

We have a strong desire to do more and show our excellence and I’m so proud to be part of it.

What advice would you give a staff member who has recently joined Poole College?

Get out there and introduce yourself! We have such a fantastic group of people around us. 

Professional Accomplishments

What project that you completed at Poole you are most proud of? 

I am most proud of the development and implementation of a college-wide budget. It’s a work in progress but with only five months in Poole, I’m amazed at what we’ve accomplished as an OBS team

What do you believe is your most interesting accomplishment as a staff member? 

The creation of the Poole Pack Development Series. This is something I am incredibly dedicated to and proud of having brought to PCOM.

If you are involved in professional organizations, do you hold any leadership positions there or have you presented at professional conferences? Are there any other accomplishments you’d like to share with us?

I was a part of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy 2019 conference presentation titled, “Using Data-Driven Decision Making in a College of Pharmacy”.

If you have been nominated or received any professional awards, please list them below.

I received the Glass Breaker Award in 2017 from Ohio State University.

Life Outside of Poole

Where were you born and what countries/state/cities did you live it?

I was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, but I also lived in Columbus, Ohio.

When you are not at Poole College, what do you enjoy doing for fun? 

I love hanging out with my two Cavalier King Charles spaniels, Annie and Ollie, and my husband, Paul. We assist with Cavalier rescue groups and love supporting Lucky Star Cavalier Rescue. My husband and I also enjoy playing board games and video games. We love attending (and dressing up) for renaissance festivals.