What’s your job? is a series focused on the work of FP&M employees. As the largest and most diverse nonacademic unit on campus, it can be challenging to learn everything our division is responsible for. These stories shine a light on FP&Mers and what they do to keep campus safe, sustainable and successful.
For Pat Fargen, being an Executive Assistant with FP&M Environment, Health & Safety is about more than managing calendars and completing tasks, it’s about helping people. She enjoys supporting others and helps to keep EH&S running smoothly while also making sure colleagues receive the assistance they need. With nearly 40 years on campus, Pat has become a key resource for her department and someone many people rely on.
Pat didn’t start out in the role she holds today, but for years, she knew it was exactly where she wanted to end up. She began her campus career in 1986 as a receptionist in Engineering Professional Development (now the College of Engineering’s Interdisciplinary Professional Programs), eventually rising to Program Assistant III. In 2005, Pat joined FP&M to work in training. As corporate training functions increasingly integrated into HR departments, her role naturally evolved to lead what is now the onboarding and offboarding program.
In 2016, Pat moved to EH&S to work with the dosimetry program as a program coordinator within the Radiation Safety Unit. While working at FP&M, Pat witnessed the EH&S Executive Assistant’s role through her supervisor at the time, Jane Schomaker, and appreciated how important of a role it is. Seeing how the position helped keep leadership and the office organized inspired Pat to pursue the role.
Pat describes it as her “dream job,” something she worked toward over time while taking on new responsibilities and supporting others along the way. After years of experience and occasionally stepping in to help with administrative work, she eventually applied for the role and secured the position she admired. In the summer of 2022, Pat became Executive Assistant to the Assistant Vice Chancellor of EH&S. Here, Pat shares more about her experience and what makes her work meaningful.
Q: What does a day in this job look like?
A: No day is the same. I assist everyone in EH&S. People come to me with all kinds of questions, from things not working in the building to helping find packages. My main priority is supporting Chris Strang*, the Assistant Vice Chancellor, by managing calendar appointments and meetings. But I also handle purchasing, onboarding and offboarding EH&S employees, managing equipment, such as computers and phones, and even helping with travel arrangements, among other duties.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: I really enjoy working with my boss (Chris*). I would say it’s Chris’ personality that I connect with. He’s very levelheaded and treats everyone he interacts with in a very respectful manner. He’s very kind and hardworking. Even though he is constantly busy, he still takes the time to chat with everyone in the office. We can also kid each other and laugh a little bit during the day.
*As of Aug. 21 Chris Strang has retired from UW-Madison
“It was an honor and a pleasure working with Chris. I will always look fondly on the times that I was able to support him in his role at EH&S,” said Pat.
Q: Your role seems really busy. How do you stay organized?
A: I put a lot of things on my calendar as reminders, because I’ve got daily duties, weekly duties and monthly duties. I like to use spreadsheets to keep track of information, such as people’s phone numbers and computer information. I also keep detailed records of department equipment, rental clothing, etc.
Q: What skills are important for your job?
A: Being a people person is huge. I see my coworkers as customers, always wanting to help them however I can. Being customer-oriented, helpful, and a good resource is very important for this role.
Q: What would surprise people about your role?
A: Probably how diverse it is. Many things cover the administrative umbrella. My job covers so many areas, and it’s constantly changing. You really have to be able to juggle a lot at once. There are days when Chris’ calendar gets shuffled four or five times, so I’m constantly keeping him in the loop on any changes. You really learn how to juggle tasks.
Q: What’s your work environment like?
A: Besides a lot of work we also like to have a little fun. People play friendly pranks on each other, and we have events like the holiday party and door decorating contest. It helps break up the day and keeps things positive.
Q: What’s something memorable from your time in this role?
A: Being involved in events like Toys for Tots and Brats for Tots. It’s a lot of work, but it’s really rewarding knowing that families and kids benefit from it.
Q: What makes your job meaningful to you?
A: I have many people coming to me throughout the day, asking questions or asking me to do something for them, and I love doing it. The most important thing to me is customer service. I think people could view their jobs the same way but they’re not only my coworkers, they’re also my customers. I’m helping them get something done they need done so they can move on to their job. I’m kinesthetic; and enjoy having many different kinds of tasks. That’s why I love FP&M so much, because of the people. I’m a people pleaser — I want to get things done for them, and do it well and be appreciated.
Visit the EH&S website to learn more.
By Ashley Barrera
Ashley is a strategic communications student intern with FP&M Marketing & Communications. She is a Senior at UW-Madison, majoring in Journalism on the Strategic Communications track. Ashley has been working at FP&M since the spring of 2025.