Gina Noble is a professor at Oklahoma State University and the Mayor of Stillwater. Her career plan has changed while developing new passions over the years.
Noble grew up in Joplin, Missouri, where in high school her mother become a college professor. However, her love of teaching didn’t come from her mother. It came from her own experience as a teaching assistant during her master’s degree.
Noble graduated from college and went to back to Joplin to work for the city magazine, Joplin Metropolitan Magazine. “I was the distribution director and helped with writing, editing and sales,” Noble said.
Then after a couple of years, she became vice president for Children’s Medical Center Foundation, where she experienced public relations, marketing and fundraising.
Through all of her work, she has found that passion and determination help to give the best possible outcome for each tasks. As a professor she has learned that she enjoys the interaction between Oklahoma State University and her students.
“It is my dream job because I love working with and helping students, and I’m inspired each time I see students graduate and begin their careers,” Noble said.
Noble loves to help her students learn the reasonability and career behaviors needed to have a successful career. As her students get prepared for career possibilities, she gives advice on how to be successful.
Her advice reminds students that even after an interview and opportunity at a job, a person is still going through the trial process. They need to work hard, not complain, be responsible, and remember hard work leads to happiness later.
As mayor, Noble has learned traits that don’t only help an individual but the community as well.
“Listen more than you talk,” Noble said. “Be open and honest. If you run for a political office, be yourself, and always remember your ethical boundaries. Never say something just to get elected.”