Tracey Fountain, 25 Years

Tell us about your career at Emory.

Tracey works as a training and compliance officer for Emory National Primate Research Center.

I started at Emory as an undergraduate student participating in the work study program. Over the years, I have worked in the old student center (DUC) at the ticket and snack bar, the former nursing school, the anthropology department, the environmental health and safety office, and the primate center. Each department had its own unique culture, and I have truly appreciated the wide range of work experiences across campus.

What are some of your favorite memories of your time at Emory?

I have always loved the beauty of the campus and the opportunity to meet people from across the university. Some of my favorite memories include using LearnLink as a student, which felt like the first version of a social network, as well as attending lab get togethers, Staff Fest, and Homecoming celebrations.

Tracey pictured during a training exercise in 2007.

What are some of the most significant changes you have witnessed over the course of your career?

The incredible growth of the campus and surrounding area stands out the most. There have been so many changes, from the DUC being torn down to the closure of Everybody's Pizza. Emory Healthcare has expanded across the state, and Crawford Long Hospital becoming part of Emory is a major milestone. And of course, traffic has increased dramatically.

Is there anything you miss from back in the day?

I miss being able to get to Interstate 20 in twenty minutes, the more personalized and caring approach in healthcare, affordable campus parking, and many of the colleagues who have moved on or retired.

Tracey snapped this, her favorite photo, showing a collection of mercury thermometers gathered from various laboratories for safe disposal.

What do you hope for the future of Emory?

I hope Emory continues to be a strong steward of education, research, and healthcare. I would love to see the university take a moment to pause and focus on meaningful internal growth and development after such rapid expansion.

Anything else you would like to share?

Despite the growth and the traffic, Emory is my home. I have grown up on this campus and hope to continue supporting the important work being done here.