A Steady Hand

Long-time Graceland colleagues Greg Sutherland ’73, Paula Smith, and Max Pitt ʼ86 gathered with many others to celebrate Janice at her retirement party in December.

Tiffany began her career at Graceland in 1983 as a cashier, eventually serving in roles that included accountant, controller, director, vice president, and executive director. Through it all, she became known for her calm leadership, her encyclopedic knowledge of the University’s financial systems, and her ability to find solutions with grace and good humor.

“Janice has been part of the very fabric of Graceland for more than four decades,” he said. “Her steady leadership, attention to detail, and unwavering integrity have shaped the financial foundation of this university. Her influence will be felt long after she steps away from her desk.”

PRESIDENT JOEL SHROCK, PhD

Over the decades, Tiffany guided the University through countless budgets, audits, and financial transitions. “Technology has certainly changed what we do and how we do it,” she reflected, “but Graceland’s commitment to students has remained constant.”

When asked what she’s most proud of, her answer came without hesitation: “Receiving clean audit opinions in each of the 38 years I’ve been responsible for them.” Just as meaningful to her, though, has been the opportunity to help others succeed. “As I got older and wiser, I realized people have different skills,” she said. “What my office needed from them may not always be what they were comfortable with, but I could help them with my part of the world. It’s been gratifying. It’s been an honor.”

As she looks ahead to retirement, Tiffany said she’s most looking forward to “free time and a lack of schedule.” But what she’ll miss most is the same thing that’s defined her career: “Helping people and providing solutions and answers.” For generations of colleagues, those quiet acts of service are what made her not only a leader — but a cornerstone of the Graceland community.