Tracey Humphrey, a steady force behind the scenes

For more than 25 years, Tracey Humphrey has been a steady presence at , supporting students, staff and faculty with dedication and care. Now serving as the interim executive assistant in the dean鈥檚 office while continuing her role in the Testing Center, Humphrey's career reflects her commitment to teamwork and learning.

Her path into higher education wasn鈥檛 one she expected.

鈥淚 really had never thought of working in higher education, but that temp job convinced me that this is where I wanted to be,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 love the students. I love being able to help them and see them succeed.鈥�

Humphrey's first experience at OHIO Zanesville began in August 1998 as a temporary employee in the dean鈥檚 office. Though the position ended shortly after an administrative assistant was hired, it wouldn鈥檛 be long before she was called back to campus. She accepted a part-time role in Facilities, and later assisted Public Relations. In April 2000, she transitioned into a full-time role in the library, a place that would become her home for over two decades.

鈥淚 worked in the library from April 3, 2000, until December 2023,鈥� she said. 鈥淪hortly after starting in the Testing Center, the library manager left, and I was asked to continue some library duties along with my new position until we got someone hired. A few short months after we brought in a new staff member, the executive assistant to the dean retired, and I was asked to step in.鈥�

Throughout her time on campus, Humphrey has worn countless hats, often simultaneously. She has supported major campus events, participated in committee work and search processes, and helped students in countless ways, from calming nerves before a test to pointing someone to the right office or walking them through library research.

鈥淚f it were not for our students, we would not be here,鈥� she said. 鈥淓veryone has a story, and we need to keep that in mind while helping others.鈥�

Her service extends beyond campus. Humphrey has worked with student groups on Bowl for Kids鈥� Sake, Special Olympics and local food drives. She was also named Business Woman of the Year in 2000. Counting her early temp and Zane State-funded roles, she鈥檚 been part of the campus community for 28 years.

鈥淭here are so many behind-the-scenes moments. Every event, every class, every test, there are so many moving parts that no one person realizes,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t takes a team to make it all work.鈥�

Outside of work, Humphrey treasures time with her children and grandchildren, who remind her of the importance of balance and joy beyond campus life. Those moments with family reflect the same care and encouragement she has long shared with students.

Her service has touched nearly every corner of OHIO Zanesville, from the library stacks to the Testing Center. Colleagues and students alike point to her as a constant source of encouragement, and her influence continues to ripple through the community she has served for nearly three decades.