ASU Staff Spotlight: Janet Puckett

Janet Puckett (’83, ’85) is the Community and Alumni Engagement Coordinator at Albany State University (ASU). She earned her associate degrees in Arts and Science from Albany Junior College and Darton State College. On behalf of ASU, Mrs. Puckett received the Litter Abatement award from Keep Albany-Dougherty Beautiful (KADB).

Why did you choose to work at ASU?
As a alumna, I was interested in working where I attended college and contributing to the local community through higher education.

What motivated you to form a Community Partnership with KADB?
Albany is my hometown, and it is very important to make this community an attractive place to live and do business.

Keep Albany-Dougherty Beautiful has been actively doing just that since it’s beginning in late 1987. One of my roles is to connect with the community to form relationships through community service. This opportunity for service allows me to bring together faculty, staff, students and the community to make a difference.

What are your responsibilities within your department at ASU?
I identify and develop viable community engagement opportunities for Albany State University. I also work with advancing alumni and pre-alumni engagement through initiatives such as fundraising.

What do you love most about ASU?
The students are the heart of ASU. I love having the opportunity to watch students excel as they develop their skills at the university.

What is your passion outside of working within the community?
My passions are exercising, gardening, reading, cooking, spectating sports, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Albany State University was awarded Litter Abatement by KADB. What is the award and what does it mean for the ASU community?
This award recognizes ASU’s efforts in creating a clean community through ongoing litter abatement initiatives based on monthly beautification pick ups scheduled for our students, faculty, staff, alumni and community. The benefit of this award is that our students learn the importance of keeping their communities clean wherever they may live.

Who has made the biggest impact on you and who is someone you consider to be a role model?
From a business standpoint, my boss from my first job made the biggest impact on my life. He was the senior partner at the architectural firm I was employed with for over 25 years.

As a great leader, he always encouraged me to move forward to learn the business and become the face of the firm. As a man of character, father, and a businessman, he was very active in the community. He made me look forward to work each day and made work fun and always had a positive attitude.

What advice would you give to students with an interest in your field?
If you love community service, event planning, and alumni engagement, this may be a good option for you. In this position, you have the opportunity to be creative and implement the change that you wish to see.