Editor’s Note — This is part of a Women’s History Month series featuring women who make a positive impact on the campus community through their work as office/service employees. The Women of Service series is organized by the Chancellor’s Commission on the Status of Women. Stories will run in Nebraska Today through March 30.
Nebraska’s Britany Porter is setting ‘em up and knocking ‘em down — figuratively in her work on campus and literally in her free time.
A lifelong bowler (thanks to family influences), Porter is a finance/grants coordinator for the Nebraska Innovation Campus Business Center. Her work is focused on providing account management for various grants, state and revolving accounts; journal entries; purchase card reconciliations; and purchasing requests.
Porter’s nominator credited her for being hardworking, willing to take on new tasks, and for going the extra mile to help others. And, she’s known to be particularly good at tracking down wayward parcels.
“Big kudos to Britany from us in the (high-pressure processing) group,” said Mary-Grace Danao, research associate professor. “We were not receiving some of our packages and Britany reached out to vendors inquiring about our orders. She left no stone unturned when trying to resolve the issue and is always a big help to our group.”
Away from the office, Porter has been a part of the University Bowling League since September 2019. She also coaches youth bowling from time to time.
“Bowling is in my family as my parents, grandparents and some aunts, uncles and siblings all do it too,” Porter said. “I started at the age of 7 thanks to my dad encouraging me to try it.
“From there, I just stuck with it. It’s a great hobby which I plan to keep active with for a long time.”
And, through her participation in the University Bowling League, it’s an activity that helps expand her connections with the campus community.
“I keep going back because I love the other members of the league,” Porter said. “Some of them are like family. We have a good time catching up with each other each week, checking in with each other, and supporting each other.”
The Chancellor’s Commission on the Status of Women reached out to get to know Porter and learn more about her dedication to students, faculty and staff at Nebraska U. Her interview follows.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I am native to Lincoln, where most of my immediate family lives, including my parents and siblings. I received my bachelor’s degree from Minnesota State University in Mankato, and my master’s degree from Doane University.
I have been married to my husband, Eric, for about five and a half years. We had the opportunity of building our own home in an existing neighborhood about three years ago. I enjoy volunteering at my neighborhood association events, and attending events sponsored by my church. And, I have historically helped coach youth bowlers, ranging from ages 5 to 18.
What do you look forward to when you come to work?
I look forward to knowing that no two days will be exactly alike, and that I am able to be of service to our faculty, staff and students with any questions, concerns or needs they have. I usually have an idea as to what I want to accomplish each day, but then something else might come up, which might take precedence, and my day may shift in a completely different direction. Interruptions and changes in workflow are things I welcome each day, as they motivate me to help serve our department the best I can.
What is your favorite memory at the university?
My favorite memory at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln has been making lifelong friendships by getting to know coworkers, by participating in the University Bowling League, and by attending Nebraska women’s basketball games.
What is your life like outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family, bowling, watching sports, spending time outdoors, listening to live music, traveling and reading. Often, many of those activities overlap with one another, as I bowl with my family in multiple leagues. I often watch sporting events, or listen to live music, with my family, in someone’s garage or on a local business’ patio. My husband and I enjoy traveling to various places where our extended family member’s live, which is a great way to visit family and to explore other communities. My husband and I enjoy reading on our front porch and interacting with neighbors who are also enjoying the outdoors.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I have a large extended family that includes 35 first cousins.
