Jackie Oliver

Recalling the early years of Teesside University

What your first job at Teesside University and what you do now?

I started work at Teesside Polytechnic in 1990 as a Library Assistant so I’ve been here for more than 30 years, and I am now Assistant Director (Learning, Teaching & Research) within Student and Library Services.

Why did you want to work at Teesside University?

I transitioned from a retail background into higher education HE and thought I’d landed on my feet in terms of working conditions. It was heaven to only work a half day on a Saturday once per month, and only one evening per week, and to have Bank Holidays off and a break over Christmas.

What was the University like in 1992, and how has it changed over the past 30 years?

I’ve seen lots of changes over the course of thirty-odd years. I’ve seen four Vice-Chancellors in that time, and they have all brought different knowledge, expertise, and direction into the organisation.

In the early days, the Library had eight state-of-the-art Apple Macs, whereas the Library has approximately 500 computers available for student use today.

As staff, we are all now equipped with laptops and mobile technology to allow us to work in the most flexible and efficient way, but until the mid-1990s and the introduction of email we were still sending paper memos in internal envelopes delivered by a large team of post room staff.

I also remember that I had to share a computer when they first came out!

What's your fondest memory of your time at Teesside University so far?

I am proud to say that I am a member of the Team Teesside family. I was a young, married, and fairly naïve 21-year-old when I joined Teesside Polytechnic in 1990, and I have grown up here in the years that followed.

I have developed myself both individually and professionally with the support of the organisation, and I hold a first-class degree and an MBA.

I am now in a position where I can positively help influence and shape the services we provide to our customers, as well as supporting colleagues who are either just starting their professional journeys or are at different points in their careers.