As the semester ends, a new job begins.

After 12 years with the City of Joplin, Jan Garner has filled the position of payroll specialist left vacant by Debbie Cash.

Garner started work April 24.

Debbie Dutch Kelley, director of human resources, said Garner is the type of person the University was looking for.

With the city, Garner had payroll experience with a larger group of employees and was familiar with tax reports.

“She presented us with a very, very good experience base, had gone through a transition with a computer system from one system to another, and we believed that is a helpful skill to have because we’re going to have a transition to the LIONET system,” Kelley said.

She said Garner is a professional and motivated person.

“We’re delighted with her, we couldn’t be more pleased,” Kelley said.

While working at Southern, Garner said she also hopes to pursue her college degree.

Garner takes pride in her 16-year-old daughter, Jessica, who attends College Heights Christian School and plays U.S. volleyball.

Garner said, though she doesn’t have her degree yet, she is looking forward to pursuing it at Missouri Southern.

Part of the perks Garner said came with the new job included working with students and having Fridays off during the summer.

“Jan’s been here a week, and she’s doing an excellent job,” Kelley said.

“She’s a very motivated, professional person. We’re delighted with her, and we couldn’t be more pleased.”

Garner said she the campus suits her well and hopes to learn about it through her work.

“I’m still learning, and I haven’t had a lot of time to get to know the college this week,” she said.

“I’ve only had my head in a book as far as walking around campus.”