Staff Profiles

Meet the Staff: Mike Zmija

Mike Zmija

More than 100 staff members work in the Division of the Humanities. We’ll introduce you to our staff in this continuing series.

Mike Zmija
Facilities Coordinator
Office of the Dean

What do you like most about your job?

That there's always something different every day. During the day, my assignments can range from placing work requests, packing and moving offices, updating offices, and ordering keys to being involved with capital projects and new construction in the Humanities Division. Also, I work with many people every day on campus. Through this interaction, I have developed many relationships over the years. I enjoy talking with members of the faculty, staff, engineers, and students.

What was the last good book you read?

Rather than reading books, I enjoy watching sports and going to the movies. The last movie I saw was Avatar:The Way of Water. I thought it was very good, although liked the first one Avatar movie a little better. I also like to watch the ID network and the A&E channel, as well as listen to CBS Radio Mystery Theater.

You might work with me if…

you need anything, from office keys and card access to any facilities-related issues, which include hot/cold calls, office moves, furniture, and any other office needs. Also, if you have any questions about the mail and photocopy services we provide.

March 16, 2023

Meet the Staff: Jennifer Woodrum

Jennider Woodrum Headshot

More than 100 staff members work in the Division of the Humanities. We’ll introduce you to our staff in this continuing series.

Jennifer Woodrum
Artistic Operations Manager
Music Department


What do you like most about your job?

I absolutely love getting to meet and work with the amazing Don Michael Randel Ensemble in Residence artists. I spent many years of my career as a touring musician and was often a visiting artist at universities nationwide. It brings me great joy to have the opportunity to support artists that come to UChicago with meaningful, relevant, and impactful residency activities on campus and in our surrounding community. I also love getting to step out of my office, away from my computer, and observe musicians rehearse, perform, and truly become embedded in the ecosystem of our UChicago community for the brief time they are here.

I also really like getting the chance to explore this beautiful campus and Hyde Park. This job keeps me very busy, but I never regret taking the time for an afternoon stroll. There are so many beautiful green spaces, incredible architecture, and, of course, a multitude of great coffee shops, restaurants, and shops.
I must mention that I greatly appreciate my colleagues here. I greatly value, trust, and admire everyone I work with and feel that reciprocated consistently.


What was the last good book you read?

I recently read American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins. It was an eye-opening glimpse into the horrific impact drug cartels continue to have on the people of Mexico, told by a mother seeking refuge in the United States with her 8-year old son. It was by no means an easy read, but I'm not one for light fiction. I'm almost finished with Michelle Obama's newest book, The Light We Carry. I've really enjoyed her perspective on parenting, especially now that Sasha and Malia are in their 20s, which is so hard to believe! As a parent, I'm inspired by her commitment to cultivate resilient and independent daughters from a very young age into adulthood.

You might work with me if …

February 22, 2023

Meet the Staff: Lara Madden

Photo of Lara Madden

More than 100 staff members work in the Division of the Humanities. We’ll introduce you to our staff in this continuing series.

Lara Madden
Operations Manager, Performance Program
Music Department

What do you like most about your job?

Managing our student workforce and getting to know students from all over the world. Also, seeing and hearing beautiful music performances.

What was the last good book you read?

The Master and His Emissary by Iain McGilchrist

You might work with me if …

You are scheduling a music rehearsal or event.

Where do you draw inspiration from for your work at the University or other projects you might have outside of the university?

The beautiful, majestic architecture of UChicago campus, yoga, and the music and work ethic of J.S. Bach.

January 18, 2023

Meet the Staff: Anna Dobrowolski

Anna Dobrowolski

More than 100 staff members work in the Division of the Humanities. We’ll introduce you to our staff in this continuing series.

Anna Dobrowolski
Student Affairs Administrator
Department of English Language and Literature

What do you like most about your job?

I started out when we were all remote, so connecting with coworkers, faculty members, graduate, and undergraduate students always brightens my day. It’s such a positive, word-loving community. I especially enjoy when students stop by to talk about their projects and goals. We are revamping the “Guilty Pleasures” series, so my office has also become the makeshift confessional for sharing topics we “hate to love” or “love to hate.”  I'm looking forward to those upcoming events.

What was the last good book you read?

It’s a toss-up between a couple of books: Mary Gabriel’s Ninth Street Women, Cervantes’s Don Quixote, and, to round it out, Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. I tend to gravitate toward collections of letters or biographies these days.  

You might work with me …

if you have any questions about the English major, the BA project, department course scheduling, or PhD requirements. 

Do you typically set intentions or resolutions for each new year? If so, any you would like to share?

As a chronic goal-setter, at some point I decided to ditch the idea of setting a resolution at the start of the year; it just seemed redundant. I thought it would be better to set goals in October on a random Tuesday. I usually aim to complete a couple of creative projects or learn something new. Currently, I’m learning French on my commute and volunteering more in the artist community. There’s a lot to do in Chicago.

January 9, 2023

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