By Mackenzie Boos
Western’s History and Geography Department has their own “mother hen” who takes care of everybody with a go-getter attitude.
Noël Cross, administrative assistant of the department of history and geography, has been with Western for 26 years. Cross loves her job because of co-workers, students and the staff.
“I have unbelievable colleagues to work with,” Cross said. “They appreciate me and what I do and they tell me that. I really like coming to work, I love my job and knowing that you are needed or wanted is priceless.”
Many students rely on her to help them be successful. Senior Evan Banks said Cross makes his life easier by being persistent and helping to keep him on task.
“She is the fairy godmother of the department. She says ‘Bippity Boppity Boo’ and our lives get better,” Banks said. “She just cares and has no problem trying to tackle any issue that a student or faculty member has.”
Aside from helping students, she helps other administrative assistants and staff understand rules and policies at Western.
Dr. Jim Okapal, chair of the department of philosophy and religion, and history and geography said he would be lost without Cross’s help.
“She is always making sure I am doing my job,” Dr. Okapal said. “I wouldn’t be as successful as I am as chair if it wasn’t for her help navigating the ins and outs of Western.”
Being such a diverse department, Cross covers all areas by keeping Google calendars up-to-date and sending emails to students and faculty to remind them of events.
“The administrative assistants in general are really good at making sure we keep up with the various things we need to do,” Okapal said. “She will tell me what she thinks and she is worried that I will be bothered by it. She has never said anything out of line, but she has often had to tell me truths that I don’t want to hear. She does it with compassion, empathy, seriousness and professionalism.”
Banks recognizes how critical Cross role is in the department.
“I know that she is crucial to Dr. Okapal’s life as the chair, and probably every other faculty member there,” Banks said. “I think without Noël; the department would fall apart. She is a lovely person and it’s just her disposition. I hope she knows she is an integral part in the lives of students and faculty.”
Many students and faculty are very appreciative of how much she does for them.
“If I had to tell her something, I would say a heartfelt thank you,” Banks said. “She goes out of her way and above and beyond for people. She puts herself out there to take stress off of others and has no qualm about taking that burden and lightening the load of others.”
Cross loves what she does and said she never gets up and thinks that she doesn’t want to come into work today.
“I am proud of what I do and who I am and the level of commitment that I have for the university,” Cross said. “I am a believer in Missouri Western and I love working here.”