Coug spirit pervades collaborative attitude

Lynn Buckley’s office is located on the top floor of Cleveland Hall with a window overlooking campus. “I call it the penthouse,” she says with a smile.

Buckley, a principal assistant in the department of educational leadership and counseling psychology (ELCP), came to WSU the summer of 1978, beginning as a time-slip employee in the dean’s office. She soon was hired to WSU and the College of Education, and has been promoted throughout her 29 years here. 

“I like the people here; I am just a people person,” she said. “There’s no reason to leave when you work with people like these — their passion is infectious!” 

Though the tasks may have changed (“I remember the first IBM System 6!”), her ability to manage the office has not. The ELCP department is large, encompassing 30 faculty across four campuses and eight specific areas of study. But Buckley runs the office in an efficient manner, and she will always take the time to interact with whoever needs her assistance.

“I’m a good listener and I think that really helps,” she said. “Sometimes someone just needs to talk.” 
“Without her the department would greatly suffer — she is the glue that holds us together,” said ELCP chair Phyllis Erdman.

“She is just always there when students or faculty need something and is always willing to go the extra mile. She made my transition as a new department chair comfortable and smooth. She is an ultimate professional!”

“I just try to do what I can for anybody who needs help,” said the 2006-2007 President’s Employee Excellence Award recipient. “If you have to be away from your home and family, you might as well enjoy it!

“Oh and one more thing,” she said. “Go Cougs!”