Unsung heroes on campus in many ways, MTSU’s Association of Secretarial and Clerical Employees keeps offices around MTSU running like well-oiled machines thanks to professional development and peer support.

“We’re like the gatekeepers, motivators and organizers … we set the tone in the office,” said incoming ASCE President Sherry Fuller, executive secretary for University College Dean Rick Sluder.

A full house listens as Sherry Fuller, executive secretary for University College Dean Rick Sluder, gives remarks during the Fabulous Fun Fall Reception held by MTSU’s Association of Secretarial and Clerical Employees on Sept. 21 in the Tom H. Jackson Building. (Photo courtesy of Rhonda Drake)

The group encourages professional and personal development by providing opportunities to network within the organization through events, such as its recent fall reception held in Cantrell Hall inside the Tom H. Jackson Building.

“I just want them to know how important they are, because the ASCE is designed to help everybody,” Fuller said.

Along with moral support, ASCE hosts various fundraisers throughout the year — such as its current nut sale, which uses proceeds for scholarships for members interested in taking the Certified Administrative Professional, or CAP, exam for office and administrative professionals.

“The test is for members who’ve been in ASCE for at least one year, so there are benefits to being (certified),” she said. “If they pass, they receive a nine percent raise on their check.”

After nearly 10 years as secretary for the University College dean, Fuller said her No. 1 goal in leading ASCE as president is spreading kindness.

“Kindness is always fashionable,” she said.

What else is fashionable? Appropriate workplace attire, the ACSE group stresses. As part of its Sept. 21 Fabulous Fun Fall Reception, the organization held a fashion show to remind members that first, second and even third impressions can matter on the job.

ASCE invited Jones College of Business professor Virginia Hemby-Grubb to serve as keynote speaker and share what is and isn’t appropriate in a professional setting. Hemby-Grubb founded Raiders’ Closet, which provides free professional attire to students for their job interviews, internships and first post-college jobs.

Dr. Virginia Hemby-Grubb, right, marketing professor, discusses the professional workplace attire being modeled by Niki Morris, secretary for University College’s dual enrollment program, during the Fabulous Fun Fall Reception held by MTSU’s Association of Secretarial and Clerical Employees on Sept. 21 in the Tom H. Jackson Building. (Photo courtesy of Rhonda Drake)

Fuller said Hemby-Grubb’s presentation added a different flavor to the mix of the organization’s five annual events.

“Instead of just eating together and winning door prizes, I thought, ‘Let’s start getting guest speakers and learn something,'” Fuller said.

Hemby-Grubb, a Department of Marketing faculty member, illustrated her suggestions on proper dress for an office environment with MTSU employees from different departments as models displaying a few do’s and don’ts of professional attire.

“Secretaries and clerical staff are the backbone of this institution,” Hemby-Grubb said. “I wanted them to gain that understanding through sharing laughter and watching our models put themselves on the spot to showcase their appearances.”

For more information about ASCE, contact Fuller at 615-898-2177 or visit www.mtsu.edu/asce.

— Jayla Jackson (news@mtsu.edu)

Scott Hurt, call center manager for the MT One Stop, models professional attire. (Photo courtesy of Rhonda Drake)

Angie Price, left, academic events coordinator in the Office of the University Provost, and Byron Lightsy, an adviser for University College, model examples of business casual professional attire during the Fabulous Fun Fall Reception held by MTSU’s Association of Secretarial and Clerical Employees Sept. 21 in the Tom H. Jackson Building. (Photo courtesy of Rhonda Drake)

Betsy Taylor, secretary for the Department of University Studies, holds a door prize at the Fabulous Fun Fall Reception held by MTSU’s Association of Secretarial and Clerical Employees Sept. 21 in the Tom H. Jackson Building. (Photo courtesy of Rhonda Drake)

Kym Stricklin, office supervisor for MTSU Procurement Services, enjoys the food at the Fabulous Fun Fall Reception held by MTSU’s Association of Secretarial and Clerical Employees Sept. 21 in the Tom H. Jackson Building. (Photo courtesy of Rhonda Drake)

Sherry Fuller, executive secretary for University College Dean Rick Sluder, speaks during the Fabulous Fun Fall Reception held by MTSU’s Association of Secretarial and Clerical Employees Sept. 21 in the Tom H. Jackson Building. (Photo courtesy of Rhonda Drake)

Byron Lightsy, an adviser for University College, is all smiles as he models professional attire during the Fabulous Fun Fall Reception held by MTSU’s Association of Secretarial and Clerical Employees Sept. 21 in the Tom H. Jackson Building. (Photo courtesy of Rhonda Drake)

Karen Hillman, secretary for the Department of English, holds a door prize at the Fabulous Fun Fall Reception held by MTSU’s Association of Secretarial and Clerical Employees Sept. 21 in the Tom H. Jackson Building. (Photo courtesy of Rhonda Drake)