Fabricae Vniuersitatis: Chris Yankle

Fabricae Vniuersitatis, Latin for "The Fabric of the University," is an occasional series of stories featuring staff whose work is vital to YSU's success.

Over Chris Yankle’s 35 years at YSU, there have been lots of changes.

She’s worked under eight university presidents. She’s watched the campus infrastructure grow and transform. And she’s seen music trends go from the audio cassette-playing Sony Walkman to streaming tunes on iPhones.

But here’s one thing that’s stayed constant: In her more than three decades working at YSU, Yankle has been employed exclusively in the Computer Center (previously in Tod Hall) and Information Technology Services in Meshel Hall.

“In fall of 1978, I was a student here at YSU,” said Yankle, who earned a bachelor’s degree in Applied Science at YSU. “I was a student secretary in the Microbiology Lab and then I became full time in the Computer Center in April 1981.”

She’s currently secretary in ITS on the fourth floor of Meshel Hall.

So what does she like about her job?

“My goal each day is to focus on the needs of the students and the staff and to provide great customer service, whether that be answering the phone or greeting them in public,” she said.

One of Yankle’s many responsibilities – “no two days are the same,” she says – is to supervise students on YSU’s switchboard, the university’s main line.

“We always strive to provide great service to all of the callers,” she said.

Yankle lives in Youngstown. She has a son and a daughter, both of whom attend YSU.