For the end of Women’s History Month we are featuring women throughout the University of Idaho. Meet DeeDee Bohman:
DeeDee Bohman has been working at the University of Idaho for over thirty years, making sure students get their financial aid. She is a mother of two and has been teaching women how to be independent as early as she can remember.
Bohman, the technical record specialist at Student Financial Aid Services, has worked at UI since 1986.
She oversees academic progress, NCAA compliance, and works on the governmental side of student loans and the Pell Grant and more.
Bohman also has three students doing work-study with her, because she is getting ready to retire and is teaching others how to do her job. Bohman said she teaches by example and doesn’t ask her work-studies to do anything she isn’t willing to. She sees herself as a role model that will hand her expertise and job to coworkers.
Bohman has two daughters and has always tried to be a good role model for them.
“I always stressed to them that you have a right to your own opinions but be respectful about it. Be true to yourself and give 110 percent,” Bohman said. “Both of my girls have followed these rules, and both are kind, strong independent women.”
Bohman’s motto is to always to give 110 percent.
“I give all out. I don’t do it halfway. If I’m going to do it, I’m going to do it all the way,” Bohman said.
In Bohman’s workplace, she said there are no gender titles, meaning roles and paychecks don’t get decided by gender.
“I can see in other places it is a good example for the younger generation to say there is a women director. You can be one too. That is important as a role model for kids growing up,” Bohman said.
Bohman finds helping families beneficial in her work.
“I give students and parents the tools, so they can have confidence and not rely on me. I train them as I go,” Bohman said. “I try to empower them (by showing them) what is out there for them and how they can be successful.”
Bohman finds empowerment in her work through the confidence it provides her. When she knows she is succeeding in something, it empowers her, Bohman said.
Bohman offered some advice to other women and said not to be so hard on yourself, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
“When I am teaching, I’ll say, ‘I don’t care how many times you ask me, keep asking me.’ I would rather you ask than make a mistake because a mistake can cause huge repercussions,” Bohman said.
Emily Pearce can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @Emily_A_Pearce