'Ms. Jody' Preece Announces Retirement Effective June 30

submitted by Jody Preece

A retirement celebration will be held for Jody Preece from 3-5 p.m. June 28 in Arkansas Union 201 with remarks at 3:30 p.m.

Longtime U of A employee Jody Preece, known lovingly on campus as "Ms. Jody," has announced that she will retire effective June 30.

"Ms. Jody has been part of my professional life for over 20 years, and she will be deeply missed by students and staff," said Mary Skinner, director of Student Involvement and Leadership. "I wish Ms. Jody the best in this next chapter."

Ms. Jody began her career on the U of A campus in 1997 as a receptionist for the Center for Students with Disabilities, where she served for five years, winning Employee of the Quarter in 2001.

She transitioned to the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership in April 2002, serving for almost two decades as ASG office manager and then transitioning to a fiscal support specialist position. She won Employee of the Quarter again in 2020.

Ms. Jody has served hundreds, if not thousands, of students in Associated Student Government, Graduate Professional Student Congress, SOOIE and registered student organizations receiving funding through ASG's Office of Financial Affairs. During her tenure, U of A enrollment increased from 15,795 to 32,140, more than doubling the number of student groups and the amount of student fee funds allocated. Throughout that period, Ms. Jody diligently made sure each group's event and conference funds were handled in a timely manner. Her greatest joy was watching a student learn the skills needed to carry out a successful event and return the next year confident, having learned through the process.

In retirement Ms. Jody plans to spend time with her husband, Rick Preece; their son, Brian; grandsons Peyton and Keaton; and cat Miss Maggie. "I just want to relax and enjoy life with friends and family," Ms. Jody said of her future plans.

A celebration of Ms. Jody's career will be held from 3-5 p.m. Friday, June 28, in Arkansas Union 201. Remarks will begin at 3:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to come celebrate this milestone in her life and career.