Kathy James has been with the Division of Infectious Diseases for nearly 28 years and is known for her reliability and willingness to help. She says her colleagues feel like her extended family. Before life in North Carolina, Kathy used to be a singer, dancer and cancan dancer in a western variety show in Pittsburgh, which is her hometown.
What’s your role and how long have you been a part of our department?
I’m an administrative support supervisor and have been with the department of medicine/division of infectious diseases since Nov of 1995. I became permanent in Feb 1996
Where are you from?
I’m originally from Pittsburgh, PA until I moved to NC in 1985
What originally attracted you to work at UNC Department of Medicine?
When I graduated from Alamance Community College with my associate in medical office technology I started applying for many jobs. I had many interviews with the University and was told many times that I didn’t have the experience and they offered the position to someone else. I finally had an interview opportunity with Dr. Charlie van der Horst and Dr. Joe Eron with the division of infectious diseases. I was so excited to finally be offered the position. I worked hard so I could prove that I was worth the risk.
What is the most interesting project you’ve been a part of so far?
I would have to say the COVID pandemic.
What do you enjoy most about working here?
Everything, I feel like the division is like my extended family. I’ve watched many colleagues’ children grow up and are now in college or married with children.
How has your role evolved over time since you’ve been here?
I started out as an administrative assistant. Over the years of learning a lot about how the division works I gradually moved up to administrative supervisor and took on a lot more responsibilities.
What is one thing that you wish people knew about your job?
That I’m always available to help no matter how busy I am.
What are you most proud of, personal or professional?
When I received the Massey Award. It was a great honor and knowing hard work eventually pays off.
What’s one thing on your bucket list?
I would love to take my 4 grandchildren to Disney. Being a single mom, I was never able to afford to take my children.
Do you have hobbies outside of work that you enjoy?
We love camping in our 5th wheel toy hauler, riding motorcycles, singing, and spending time with my grandchildren.
What piece of advice would you give to your younger self?
Not to be so hard on myself and realizing other people’s mean comments show more about them than me.
What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?
I used to be a singer and cancan dancer in a western variety show in Pittsburgh. We would do shows for senior citizens on a bus tour from different states then give them a tour of Pittsburgh. I also was in a band in Raleigh and performed in several musicals in NC.