Spotlight on CASL Staff Member Ragen Wingate

July 24, 2023

Enjoy the following Q&A with Ragen Wingate, Administrative Specialist, Department of Mathematics and Statistics.

Name: Ragen Wingate
Position:  Administrative Specialist, Mathematics and Statistics Department
Years at UM-Dearborn: I am approaching my 8th month at UM-Dearborn

What does a typical workday look like for you? 

The Mathematics and Statistics Department is a very active department. My workday varies day by day, but it usually is filled with emails, reviewing spreadsheets, meetings and interfacing with our awesome faculty and staff.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I really enjoying the variety of tasks and interacting with faculty, staff and students in the department.

What was your first job?

I started working at 13 years old as a mother’s helper for families in my neighborhood. I started a babysitting business with my friends, and we would advertise in the neighborhood.

What do you do to relax?

I love to travel and play tennis in my free time.

If you could have any one skill or talent that you don’t already have, what would it be?

One skill that I would love to have is the ability to sing. I still sing but not well.

What’s the proudest moment of your life?

My proudest moment was earning my master’s degree and bachelor’s degree. I am a first-generation college graduate so earning both degrees were a huge accomplishment.

If we were to create a UM-Dearborn playlist, what song would you want to include?

The song that I would include in a UM-Dearborn Playlist is Only Wanna Be With You by Hootie and the Blowfish.

What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

I used to work at an Autism Center affiliated with DMC so I have a special place in my heart for kids or individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

What’s one thing you wish you had known when you were a teenager?

One thing I wish I had known as a teenager was to enjoy the journey. The journey is more important than the destination.