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Q&A: Helfers Lends Helping Hand in College’s Success

In each of their roles, the Soules College of Business staff provide instrumental support for continued student success. One of those staff members is Janice Helfers, who serves as the administrative associate in the dean’s office and has been with UT Tyler for more than six years. In the following question and answer segment, learn more about her and why she enjoys working at UT Tyler.

Can you tell us a little about yourself? How did you arrive at UT Tyler? 

I have been with UT Tyler since 2014. I started out as an admin in residence life and was with that department for a year. I started working as an administrative associate for the dean in the Soules College of Business in 2015.

My husband, Rick, and I lived in Rowlett, Texas, for over 20 years and then moved to Tyler a little over six years ago. My husband retired from Richardson Police Department and started his second career teaching criminal justice here at UT Tyler. We visited Tyler several times and really liked what we saw. Tyler is a great community, and we are glad that we have decided to settle here.

What are your duties in your current role? 

I do all the normal duties that an admin does, such as purchasing, travel arrangements, reconciliations, etc. In addition to that, I manage the dean’s calendar, help facilitate faculty/staff college and departmental meetings, handle events in the college and assist whenever needed.

How has COVID impacted your role? What were some of the college’s challenges that you saw in the dean's office? How did the college overcome them? 

When COVID hit, we were given the option of working remotely or working in our office. In my particular case, I chose to not work remotely. The biggest challenge was not knowing what to expect with COVID. I think many of us were under the impression that it would be over in a few months, and we’d all go back to our normal lives. We all had to be ready to adapt and make changes in the best interest of students, staff and faculty. We wear masks, use hand sanitizer and have meetings remotely rather than face to face. By doing so, we hope that we have curbed both contact with those who have the virus as well as slowing the spread.

Why do you enjoy working at UT Tyler? 

I get to meet so many great people – students, staff, faculty and community members. I have made some really good friends at the University over the years.

When I first came to work at UT Tyler, I imagined working here until I retired. After being here for six years, I am even more excited to continue working here for the long term.

What do you like best about the University and the Soules College of Business? 

The University is going through some exciting changes, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for all of us. I love the family feeling we have in the Soules College. We genuinely care about one another.

What's the best part of your working day? 

I am a list maker. I love when I get to check things off my list! It helps me to see what I have accomplished throughout the day.

What memories stand out to you the most as you've seen the Soules College of Business grow? 

Seeing the Soules College of Business building being constructed was pretty amazing. We were able to watch the construction cameras during the building process and have really enjoyed seeing how things evolved and changed during the process. We have a beautiful facility that we get to work in every day!

What advice would you offer UT Tyler students? 

Work hard, but don’t forget to take time to have fun. Time goes by so fast.

What are your hobbies/interests? 

I love spending time with family. I also enjoy baking with my granddaughter, Madelyn. 

Any family info you'd like to share? 

I have been married for almost 28 years to Rick, who is a UT Tyler associate professor and current Faculty Senate president. We have a son, Matt, who is married to Jessica, and they have three kids. He and his family live in Longview. We have triplet daughters: Katie, who is married to Vinny and lives in Port Aransas. She is earning a degree to become a dental hygienist. Brooke, who lives in Austin, is working at Concordia University while completing her master’s degree. Our daughter Samantha is married to Konner and lives in Rowlett. She is teaching psychology in the Dallas area.

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