June 1, 2017
Lela Chalmers is an administrative assistant in the Department of Pharmacy Administration. She has been at the School of Pharmacy since July of 2016.
What do you do at the School of Pharmacy?
Lela Chalmers: I report directly to the chair of the Department of Pharmacy Administration, Dr. John Bentley, assisting with recruiting students to our program and with daily operations of the department. I oversee compliance with departmental policies and procedures, prepare travel, purchase and student assistantship forms and coordinate logistics for events and interviews. Most importantly, I maintain records, files and annual reports.
Lela Chalmers
Talk about your background.
LC: My background is varied, but I have consistently focused on teamwork and customer service. As a staffing supervisor, I recruited qualified candidates for various job openings, attended and hosted job fairs and coordinated the hiring process. I’ve also been an office administrator and supervisor, monitoring performance, resolving discrepancies and ensuring staff efficiency.
What brought you to Ole Miss?
LC: As an Ole Miss alumna of the class of 2003, my love for the University, its mission, influence, family-oriented environment and unlimited advancement opportunities is what brought me back in search of a career in higher education.
What do you enjoy about your job?
LC: Some of my favorite things about working here are the pharmacy administration department, the commitment the University has to its employees, the respect for each individual and the motivation for everyone to be successful (as well as the extra time off during the holidays.)
What do you like to do when you’re not at work?
LC: When I am not at work, I enjoying spending time with family, cooking and planning events.
What is something others might not know about you?
LC: I will be graduating in July with a Master’s degree in Theology from Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. The knowledge and skills I obtained from this will allow me to be better equipped and more effective as I continue to serve in the ministry.