Jana Hinz
Summer School Administrator - College of Continuing Education and Distance Learning

I'm Jana Hinz and I'm one!—one of Tennessee's Best.

I am the summer school administrator and finances coordinator for the College of Continuing Education and Distance Learning. In that role, I oversee the central administration of the University's Summer School and finances of the College of Continuing Education and Distance Learning.

I came to MTSU in 1994 because my husband was offered a teaching position here. Being a one-car family and both of us working, it made sense for me to try to obtain work at MTSU. With patience, perseverance, and, of course, a bit of luck, I was offered a position.

I stay at MTSU because I like all the activity on campus. There's always something going on—art exhibits, concerts, athletic events, theatre productions, speaker presentations, and so forth. Also, most people appreciate my work, and that makes me feel like I am doing my part contributing to the success of MTSU.

When folks ask me about the best part of my job, I tell them I truly enjoy the interaction with all the different kinds of people on and off campus: students, staff, faculty, and administrators as well as members of the community. I always learn something new everyday interacting with others.

The highlight of my career at MTSU was being nominated for Human Resources' Administrative Employee of the Year. That means at least one person appreciates the work that I do here. That is important to me. I want to do a good job and be a good contributor. (What is that saying...always a bridesmaid and never a bride? Always a nominee and never a winner? Just being nominated has been great! I do know, however, that being a nominee is a culmination of other people's hard work, also.)

MTSU is a great place to work with the variety of people on campus. There are professional development and training opportunities offered. You can improve yourself by participating in these opportunities. Of course, the benefits package is really good, too!

I would tell any potential staff member to get involved and participate on campus, attend campus events, take classes on subjects of interest, and take advantage of professional development and training opportunities offered. Doing so can only help you learn more, expand your mind, and better yourself as well as those around you.

Both the campus and Murfreesboro itself are exciting places to work and live. The campus atmosphere is lively but friendly—that small-campus atmosphere with all the opportunities and traditions of a big school. And Murfreesboro is one of the fastest growing cities in Tennessee. It's in a great location with easy access to several interstates, and it's just 35 miles southeast of Nashville. It's attractive to shoppers with its downtown shops, Stones River Mall, and The Avenue. There are a lot of eateries from which to choose, as well. For recreation, there are walking/hiking/bike riding trails, or if you are into water sports, there are several nearby lakes and rivers.

Come be one of Tennessee's Best at Middle Tennessee State University. Like me, you'll be glad you did!