The dean’s office at a high school is often where problems are resolved. Deans’ Assistant Nicole Hodges is often in the center of those problems, and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
Hodges’ embrace of her unofficial title of “chaos coordinator” earned her praise from the deans she supports and other staff in the Upper Campus main office. She was awarded Staff Member of the Month for November 2022 by grateful colleagues and students.
“She has so many responsibilities that people don’t even know,” Upper Campus Dean Hilary Agnello said. “She’s in the middle of a lot of drama.”
That is fine for Hodges. Working with the deans gives her a chance to get to know students as more than a name on an attendance sheet. Resolving attendance issues is a large part of her job, but she enjoys building relationships along the way.
“You get to know them in a different way. You see a different side from what other people see,” Hodges said. “It’s fun. I do love it.”
One friendship she’s enjoyed is with senior Vanessa Schroeder who is Hodges’ helper, delivering passes to other students and running other errands. Hodges makes scheduling appointments for the deans and also helps to direct students through the office areas. She also pitches in when things get busy in the main office.
This is the sixth year at MCHS for Hodges, who grew up in Arlington Heights and graduated from Prospect High School in Mount Prospect. After high school, Hodges considered pursuing journalism and took classes at Harper College in Palatine.
She started working as a nail technician in a spa in Barrington and turned that into a 15-year career. She changed paths when her children started going to school. She took a job as assistant in the special education department six years ago before moving two years ago to the deans’ office.
Click here to see her award video.
The Staff Member of the Month program recognizes MCHS staff members who go above and beyond for the benefit of students. Thanks to the support from Meat and Potato Eatery and Brunch Cafe, each monthly winner receives a gift certificate as well as a plaque.
To learn more about the program, click here.
