Get to Know: Candy Edwards, Office Administrator

Our School is grateful for talented and dedicated staff, who contribute greatly to our teaching and research excellence. This "Get to Know" series highlights our staff, sharing their friendly faces and stories of professional success.

Where did you grow up?

I was born in Homer, Illinois, and lived there until the 4th grade when my family moved to Fithian, Illinois. Since getting married in 1990, my home has been Danville, Illinois.

What year did you begin working for the iSchool?

I began working at the iSchool in 2006.

Where did you work prior to the iSchool?

I started at the University of Illinois in 1990 at the Research Services Office, which was located in the Observatory building beside the Morrow plots. I was with them until 1994, when there was a downsizing and several of us were let go. Then I went to work at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) in their HR department and was there until I transferred to the iSchool. In January, I will hit my 30 years at the University.

What do you do at the School?

I provide clerical support for human resource activities of the School and perform all associated paper and electronic transactions.

What do you like best about your job?

 I like working with everyone at the iSchool. It's a fun, close-knit group. I also enjoy getting to email and meet with our new hires and student workers.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I loved watching my youngest daughter play her three high school sports and in band, but now that she's graduated, we are down to one college basketball career. Basketball is starting soon, so that will be exciting. I have a hobby farm and raise chickens, ducks, and rabbits. My daughters showed the animals at 4-H shows and county fairs. My youngest daughter recently decided to give up 4-H, so we are out of the 4-H showing now. Our rabbits may or may not be staying around—if anyone is looking to get into the rabbit business, let me know. We have too many rabbits to call pets at this point! We do try to raise and sell some of our animals at local livestock auctions to cover feed costs. I also watch a lot of Netflix series and TV shows now that things have slowed down at home.

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