The MSU Alumni Spotlight is a feature of the IMPACT that allows NCBC members across the nation to get to know graduates of the MSU Judicial Administration Program. If you would like to be featured in a future MSU Alumni Spotlight, please contact Heather Burse or Cathy White. In this issue, we talk to MSU Alum Gerri Lynn Brown.
Name: Gerri Lynn Brown
Title: Case Administrator
Court: Pennsylvania Western Bankruptcy Court
MSU Program: Judicial Administration Non‐Credit Certificate
Graduation Date: August 2016, recognized at the 2016 Joint NCBC/FCCA Conference in Washington, D.C.
How has your participation in the MSU program impacted your career?
My participation in the MSU Program has given me a better understanding of the Court System and all of its functions.
What other benefits has the program brought into your life?
The MSU Program has allowed me to travel and meet people from all over the country who work for the Judiciary. I have developed friendships and contacts that will help me throughout the rest of my career.
What was the time commitment for your program? How did you integrate that into your lifestyle?
I made a 5-year commitment to the MSU Program. I really wanted to take my time and absorb all of the information. It was best for me to take 2 classes per year. I committed to either attending the NCBC Conference or attending classes on-line - that way it did not overwhelm my lifestyle.
What format (or formats) did you use to complete your program? What did you like best about each one?
I attended three NCBC Conferences and four on-line classes. The NCBC Conferences are a pleasure to attend. The instructors are so knowledgeable and you always learn something from other students. The on-line classes give you a chance to work at your own pace.
What tips or ideas can you share about finding a work/life balance that is conducive to achieving success in this program?
For me, planning is the key to a work/life balance. Once I committed to the NCBC Program, I would look ahead to the next year to figure out how I could incorporate the 2 classes to keep myself on track. Make a plan and stick with it. Before you know it, you will be graduating!
Are there any last thoughts or maybe a piece of advice you'd like to share with us?
Participating in the MSU Program was wonderful. Not only do you get to meet so many people that work for the Judiciary, but you get a chance to learn so much more about the Court and how we serve the public.
Do you have any ideas for getting the word out about the MSU JA Program?
I learned about the MSU Program from my Clerk and Chief Deputy. If anyone is interested in participating in the Program, reach out to your Clerk, Chief Deputy or Court Liaison. They can give you information about the Program and how it can benefit your career, no matter what your function might be.
Name: Gerri Lynn Brown
Title: Case Administrator
Court: Pennsylvania Western Bankruptcy Court
MSU Program: Judicial Administration Non‐Credit Certificate
Graduation Date: August 2016, recognized at the 2016 Joint NCBC/FCCA Conference in Washington, D.C.
How has your participation in the MSU program impacted your career?
My participation in the MSU Program has given me a better understanding of the Court System and all of its functions.
What other benefits has the program brought into your life?
The MSU Program has allowed me to travel and meet people from all over the country who work for the Judiciary. I have developed friendships and contacts that will help me throughout the rest of my career.
What was the time commitment for your program? How did you integrate that into your lifestyle?
I made a 5-year commitment to the MSU Program. I really wanted to take my time and absorb all of the information. It was best for me to take 2 classes per year. I committed to either attending the NCBC Conference or attending classes on-line - that way it did not overwhelm my lifestyle.
What format (or formats) did you use to complete your program? What did you like best about each one?
I attended three NCBC Conferences and four on-line classes. The NCBC Conferences are a pleasure to attend. The instructors are so knowledgeable and you always learn something from other students. The on-line classes give you a chance to work at your own pace.
What tips or ideas can you share about finding a work/life balance that is conducive to achieving success in this program?
For me, planning is the key to a work/life balance. Once I committed to the NCBC Program, I would look ahead to the next year to figure out how I could incorporate the 2 classes to keep myself on track. Make a plan and stick with it. Before you know it, you will be graduating!
Are there any last thoughts or maybe a piece of advice you'd like to share with us?
Participating in the MSU Program was wonderful. Not only do you get to meet so many people that work for the Judiciary, but you get a chance to learn so much more about the Court and how we serve the public.
Do you have any ideas for getting the word out about the MSU JA Program?
I learned about the MSU Program from my Clerk and Chief Deputy. If anyone is interested in participating in the Program, reach out to your Clerk, Chief Deputy or Court Liaison. They can give you information about the Program and how it can benefit your career, no matter what your function might be.