Ready for a new challenge

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For 35 years, Jill Pulley has worked with people at Hillsdale College.

This month, the people around her will bid the executive director of personnel farewell when she retires from Hillsdale College on March 30.

“I’m ready for a new career, a new challenge,” Pulley said.

Pulley has worked in Central Hall since 1976, and she became the head of personnel in 1989.

“I was here before computers,” Pulley said, smiling.

Since the days of carbon paper and hand-typed invoices, Pulley has seen other changes on campus, from new office technology to new buildings, a renovated sports complex, an alumni walk, and many new faculty and staff members.

Some things have remained the same, however. Her work ethic, for starters.

Receptionist Linda Solomon has worked for Pulley for 10 years. She calls Pulley “The B.B.E: Best Boss Ever.”

“She has worked hard,” Solomon said. “She has paid her dues.”

Vice President of Administration Rich Péwé said 14 years of working with Pulley has proven that she is an “outstanding colleague.”

“As a colleague,” he continued, “I could never ask for anyone better than Jill.”

Péwé says that she does more than a typical human resources director would do, but never complains about it.

“She could work circles around anyone. If she doesn’t finish it, she’ll finish it on weekends. You just have confidence and faith that she is going to get it done,” he said.

He also mentioned her warmth and consideration, a trait colleagues said they appreciate as well.

“I trust her. She is absolutely confidential about sensitive things,” Péwé said.

Executive Assistant Debbie Brown has worked with Pulley, a good friend, for 23 years.

“She is dedicated to her position, outgoing and sincere,” Brown said. “She has the energy and will to get things done and make sure they are right.”

Brown has learned from Pulley “to stay positive, to not let the workload get you down, to take one day at a time.”

What will Pulley miss come April 1?

For one, student interactions.

Pulley said she has loved meeting students through her job. Her transition to head of personnel in ’89 brought many changes for Pulley, but she said that losing those interactions was the hardest part.

“The students add such energy and joy and vitality to life,” Pulley says. “I like to see them come in as freshmen and blossom over four years.”

Brown said her friend’s retirement is bittersweet.

“I’m happy for her but in a selfish way I want her to stay on,” Brown said.

Pulley said she plans to “stay active” after retirement by spending time with her children, and volunteering for a Jonesville school and her church.

She gestures toward a row of pictures of her five grandchildren: “I want to spend more time with that group.”

In fact, she said she and her husband already have plane tickets to visit family in Florida the day she retires.