The Constant: How Jessie McGowan Became a Familiar Face at the University of Regina
Every Wednesday at 11:30, Eric Exner and Jessie McGowan meet for coffee.
“I get to hear about his life and share some of mine,” said Eric, Director of Operations in the Faculty of Kinesiology at the University of Regina. “It’s just good to have that coworker experience with him.”
Their connection goes back to the day Jessie was hired. Eric sat on the hiring committee when the University made a commitment to begin hiring students coming out of Campus For All through the 4to40 Inclusive Employment Initiative.
Run through a collaborative partnership between Creative Options Regina and Campus For All, the University of Regina’s inclusive post-secondary education (IPSE) initiative, 4to40 connects employers with job seekers who experience intellectual disabilities, matching real work with real potential.
A Natural Fit
Jessie came into his interview with support from Campus For All, but he answered every question on his own. “He was able to work through that process very well with us,” Eric said.
What made him the right hire was a shared passion. “Sport and recreation is a big part of what we do here in the Faculty of Kinesiology, and he had a definite sports interest in his background,” Eric said. “Big basketball fan, involved in his high school in that regard. So it was a natural segue into the kind of work he’s doing here for us.”
Today, Jessie helps with facility management, staffs the client services desk, and sets up and tears down for varsity home games. For many visitors, he’s the first face they see on campus.
“He helps us put our best foot forward, which is very important with the community members that visit our campus,” Eric said. “For many of them, it’s the first time they are seeing our buildings and services.”
And he’s hard to miss. “He is the king of Kensington around here. He walks down the hallway and he knows everybody.”
The Constant
The Faculty hires many students, which means a team that’s always changing.
“Part of the blessing and the challenge of hiring students is you get to see them come in early in their academic program, watch them develop as professionals, and they leave to go on with their professional lives,” Eric said. “Jessie has remained a constant throughout that.”
Around the office, they call him the crafty veteran, only half teasing. “He’s a big believer in adhering to the rules and the processes that we have in place, so he does everything he can to set a very positive example for those around him.”
A couple of years ago, Jessie came to Eric’s office with a few ideas to make things run better. One was keeping ice bags pre-filled, tied off and ready in the freezer, so they’re on hand whenever someone needs one for a sprained ankle. Jessie took it on himself, and it’s now part of his daily duties.
“His willingness to want this place to be successful and to have pride in that is noticeable, just in how he approaches his job every day,” Eric said.
Over the years, Eric has watched Jessie’s confidence grow. “He definitely has more confidence in what he’s doing day to day, and can take a lot more ownership in the tasks that he’s been given,” he said. “His willingness to be a friendly face in a sea of those who may not have someone to talk to — Jessie will do that.”
Over Coffee
The Wednesday coffees started with a small-city coincidence. When Jessie learned Eric’s last name, he asked if he knew Mr. Exner, his former principal at St. Timothy School. It was Eric’s dad.
“There was an immediate connection there,” Eric said. Since then, Eric has gone for lunch with Jessie and his dad, and even brought his own dad along to reconnect with his former student.
For Eric, the impact goes both ways. “Anytime you’re having a bad day and he comes by and says hi, just checks in and chats with you, it’s an immediate uplift. And it’s noticeable when he’s not around.”
Working alongside Jessie has also shaped Eric as a leader. “What has been a pleasant surprise is just re-examining how I communicate with people, looking for ways to be more effective in that regard, and maybe just slow things down a little,” he said. “That has helped me in other areas of my life as well.”
Walking the Talk
For Eric, hiring through 4to40 is a direct reflection of the University’s values. “We want to be inclusive. We don’t want there to be barriers to education and personal development, and I think you have to walk that talk.”
He knows some employers worry they won’t have the time to train or supervise. “There are a number of supports in place to help make that transition easier than you think it will be,” he said.
And as with any hire, he says, it comes down to the person. “Anytime you hire someone, there is a risk, regardless of where they are and what their backgrounds are. The important thing is to look at the people, what you’re looking for them to do, and where they can fit into your team,” he said. “There are some very good people that need an opportunity to be part of something bigger than themselves, and this is a great program to see that through.”
His advice to employers considering it: “Take the jump, and you will not be disappointed.”
Learn More About 4to40
October is Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM). We’re sharing local stories that show what inclusive employment looks like in practice.
To learn more about inclusive employment and the 4to40 program, visit https://4to40.ca/.
