Debbie Hansel retires after 26 years of service to Miami University
Debbie Hansel retires after 26 years of service to Miami University
After more than 26 years of dedicated service across multiple departments, Debbie Hansel is retiring from Miami University, capping off a career defined by connection, campus-wide experience, and a strong sense of community.
Hansel started her journey in food service at Shriver Center before moving into administrative roles that took her across the university. From Benefits and the King Library to Financial Aid, the Graduate School, the Department of Biology, and most recently Educational Psychology (EDP), Hansel’s Miami career touched nearly every part of campus.
She describes each role as a chapter that added to her knowledge and network. “Joanne Shaver in Benefits once told me, ‘One of your biggest assets will be how many people you know.’ That turned out to be exactly right,” Hansel said. “You always have someone to call, and that makes a big difference.”
Hansel spent the past three years in the EDP department, where she managed course scheduling, created and updated classes in Banner, and worked closely with faculty. “I love scheduling,” she said. “That’s right up my alley.”
Throughout her time at Miami, Hansel built relationships that lasted well beyond any individual job. “What I’ll miss most is the people,” she said. “Seeing someone you haven’t run into in a while, and they come up and hug you—that means everything.”
She said her favorite memories aren’t tied to any one department, but rather the steady stream of laughter, camaraderie, and support she found among colleagues across the years. “There are so many stories, so many moments. Just working with good people who care, that’s what stays with you.”
Looking back on her first day, Hansel remembers wondering what she’d signed up for. “It was at Shriver, working different shifts every week. I thought, ‘What in the world did I get myself into?’” she said, laughing. But she stayed, thanks in large part to the welcoming culture her husband had first told her about when encouraging her to apply.
As for what’s next, Hansel is looking forward to a break from the alarm clock, visits with family in other states, and maybe even a light side job. “A friend already offered me something a couple days a week, which is perfect,” she said. “And I’ll probably start with cleaning up the yard, but that won’t last long.”
Her advice to new staff members? “Be open. Be positive. And always laugh, especially at yourself.”
And her message to the colleagues she leaves behind: “Always be kind. Have patience. And keep finding reasons to smile.”
After nearly three decades, Hansel says she’s grateful for the community she found at Miami. “It really is a great place to work,” she said. “I’ve met so many good people. That’s what I’ll carry with me."
(AI tools Grammarly and ChatGPT 4.0 assisted with this article.)
