Holly Fuson, Director of Online Programs and Extension at the College of Veterinary Medicine, began working at the college in 2007.
When did you begin working at the College of Veterinary Medicine?
I started at the College of Veterinary Medicine in 2007. I was working in the Student Insurance Office on campus when I was eligible for a promotion to Chief Clerk. I received an invite to interview for a position in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) at the Small Animal Clinic front desk and never looked back.
Describe your role at the college.
I serve as the Director of Online Programs and Extension. My role is to help develop educational programs that meet knowledge gaps within the veterinary medicine industry. We launched a new master’s degree in the spring of 2021 with 8 students in the first cohort. The program has grown to 100 students. My responsibilities include instructional design, advising students, and managing projects.
Have you held any previous titles or responsibilities at the college?
Oh goodness. I have sat in many chairs in the college over the years. I started in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital as a Chief Clerk working at the Small Animal front desk which expanded to management of the Small and Large Animal front desks and eventually the Business Office. I learned a great deal working in the VTH. I had the joy of working with great people, was able to see some cool animals, and collected so many funny stories. I moved to the Basic Sciences Building in 2018 when Dr. Lowe and Dr. Aldridge received an Investment for Growth opportunity to start the Master of Veterinary Science degree program.
What is your favorite part of your job?
All of it! I have a background in education, human resource development, and business administration. This position allows me to combine all that I enjoy in these subjects into one position. I love strategizing the development of our programs, executing the plan, and seeing our whole team and college succeed. If I have to choose a single favorite part within my role, it is the freedom to fail and learn from that failure.
Complete this sentence: My most memorable day at work was…
- Reaching the enrollment goal for the Master of Veterinary Science.
- Seeing a tiger get his teeth cleaned.
- Having a surgery resident call the PA system from her new job in another state to say hi to everyone.
- Honoring the Customer Service Representatives who dedicated 30 years working at the front desk.
- Seeing clients overjoyed on pickup days when they weren’t sure their fur baby was going to ever leave our hospital.
- Driving the golf cart around Memorial Stadium at the inaugural 21st Century Symposium.
- Receiving Investment for Growth funding to establish the Veterinary Innovation Center.
I have so many memorable days at the College of Veterinary Medicine. I grew up here professionally.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I spend most of my time away from the office at sporting events cheering on my two teenage sons or the Illini. When I have time to myself, I am typically caught with a book in my hand. I love to read fiction, non-fiction, and historical fiction.
What is something your co-workers may be surprised to know about you?
My first job out of college required me to speak Spanish 100% of the time at the front desk, on the phone, and even in emails! I was only allowed to speak English in the break room and during staff meetings. I took four years of Spanish in high school and another four in college.
What is one thing on your bucket list?
I want to visit all 50 states.
Do you have a favorite restaurant or place in the Champaign/Urbana area?
Fiesta Cafe
Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without?
Coffee
Do you have any pets?
Yes. I have a nine-year-old boxer we rescued eight years ago. He came with the name Ringo so naturally his name is Ringo Dingo Dango.
