2007 40 Under 40 Honoree: Ginger Godbehere

Ginger Godbehere credits Lynda Wilkinson, president of Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce, with giving her perspective on her working life. Wilkinson was president during Godbehere’s senior year at Pittsburg State University.

“She recommended the book ‘Women Who Do Too Much’ to me and stressed the importance of maintaining balance in my life,” Godbehere said. “Today, I have a Post-It note above my desk with the word ‘balance’ written on it to serve as a constant reminder to myself.”

Godbehere, an academic adviser at Ozarks Technical Community College, is passionate about her work with students.

“Professionally, my main goal is to make a difference,” she said. “(OTC’s) new student orientation program is something that I’m very excited about, knowing that I can help make a student’s first step into college a positive experience, and offer them the tools to make it a success.”

Having worked her way through college, Godbehere sees herself as a positive role model for students, but another role model she tells them about is her mother.

“As a single mother of three, she struggled for many years to put herself through college while still raising a family,” Godbehere said. “She actually graduated with her bachelor’s degree one year before I did, giving me the strength to never give up.”

Another passion for Godbehere is photography, a serious hobby since 2001.

“One day I hope to have a collection of my photographs featured at a downtown gallery on First Friday Art Walk,” said Godbehere, a member of Springfield Camera Club.

She also uses her photography skills to work in the community, capturing events such as United Way’s Day of Caring through her camera lens.

“The ultimate dream would be to have my work published,” she said.

Stats

Position: Academic Adviser, Ozarks Technical Community College

Age: 32

Favorite professional sports team: None – “However, I typically cheer for any of the Cleveland teams since I lived there for several years after college.”

A quote to live by: “Live out your imagination, not your history.” – Stephen Covey

Information accurate at the time of the honor.[[In-content Ad]]