Jenni Glover

Road to Retirement

Jenni Glover loves working in schools. The initial phase of her career saw her teaching lower grades at St. Mary’s Catholic School, Berry College Elementary School, and Fairmount Elementary before she moved to the administrative side as a secretary at Montessori School of Rome.

In 1998, then-Lower School Principal Larry Muschamp hired her to work as a fourth-grade teaching assistant at Darlington.

“We were looking for a new school for our children and felt like Darlington provided academic challenges that they were not given at the school in which they were previously enrolled,” said Glover, who’s husband, Greg ('78), is an alumnus. “My first impression of Darlington was that it was a family that I wanted to join. The people were so nice and cared so much about me and my children.”

So they all became Tigers, with Phillip ('06) and Matthew ('09) enrolling in fifth grade and second grade, respectively.

“I remember our sons thanking us for sending them to Darlington because they liked that the work was harder than at their previous school and they weren't made fun of because they liked to make As,” said Glover. “My husband and I enjoyed attending their music and athletic events. Seeing the other parents there supporting their children as well meant so much to us.”

She added that it was the passion her sons’ teachers had that ignited a fire within them and started them on the path to their current careers.

“Both boys had teachers, who through their excitement for their subject matter, encouraged them to search for a career that would excite them in the same way,” said Glover. “They both are working in fields in which they are able to fulfill that desire, one in laboratory science and one in information technology.”

Glover’s tenure at Darlington lasted 22-and-a-half years and included a transition from the teaching side to the administrative side when she became executive assistant to the chief financial officer in 2000. Eventually, she was named accounts payable manager. "One of the things I’m most proud of in my career is learning to be part of the world of business and accounting,” she said. “After having attended school to teach lower grades children, this was a real challenge for me but one I really enjoyed.”

Her colleagues made the transition a little bit easier.

“I cannot tell you how many people at Darlington took the time to teach me some new skill when I needed it (especially my department),” she said. “I remember one I.T. teacher who spent many hours trying to determine the steps to follow to correct an issue I was having with a merge document during employee contract season. She did not have to do that, but did because she cared about the school. That's what I think makes Darlington the school it is — teamwork.”

And being part of the Business Office team, in particular, is an opportunity Glover will always cherish.

“It was my favorite thing about my role at Darlington,” she said. “Beth Pollard, Natalie Ferguson, Lauren Loy, Leslie Finley, Carrie Eady, Carolyn (Seigler) Brearley (’99) and Lindsay Woods are truly amazing women who's team anyone would be blessed to join. I’ll miss the people but I won’t miss the alarm clock!”

Pollard, assistant head of school for finance and operations, said Glover was a valuable member of her team and had impeccable work ethic.

“Jenni has a unique selflessness and was always willing to assist and support Darlington and her team,” she said. “She was our team’s greatest cheerleader and a true Darlington supporter who personifies the school motto. Jenni was the ultimate organizer and kept our office running smoothly. She also made the most amazing sweet treats and had the willpower not to eat them. We are all thankful that we had the opportunity to work with Jenni and appreciate everything she did for the Business Office team and Darlington.”

Glover, who retired in January, said retirement is already in full swing and she has enjoyed volunteering with Rome Food Pantry and Rome Community Kitchen in addition to serving on the Women’s Council at First Presbyterian Church.

“I also walk and swim and have game days with neighbors (we are really competitive domino players),” she said. “My husband and I are able to take trips as well as spend more time with family. And listen to this — I know you are going to be insanely jealous, but — I can read as many books as I want any time I want to!”

Phillip (’06), Jenni, Greg (’78), Matthew (’09) and Amanda Glover