Each morning, Jenny Bufkin heads to UT Southwestern from her home in Waxahachie, a commute she has been making for 35 years now. When she started her job in 1983, Ms. Bufkin thought she’d only do it for a couple years and move on to work somewhere closer to home.

I still don’t like the commute, but I stay here because I really like what I do, she says.

Jenny Bufkin

Ms. Bufkin works as a Senior Administrative Associate in the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cardiology. She’s stayed in the same Division since she was hired. Since starting in the Department in 1983 as a Senior Secretary, Ms. Bufkin has seen the office change quite a bit. Initially, there weren’t any computers – just electric typewriters – and an appointment book. The Division had just two faculty members and no fellowship program. Today, she works closely with 22 faculty members and eight fellows, and of course everything is on the computer now.

Ms. Bufkin has developed great bonds with her colleagues at UT Southwestern and Children’s Medical Center Dallas, who have supported her during sickness and health, she says.

In 2006 I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had surgery and six months of chemo. I was so grateful to have such caring co-workers. I can’t imagine going through something like that without their support. When I finished treatment, they had a surprise party for me to celebrate. It meant the world to me how much they supported me through that scary time, Ms. Bufkin says.

Her job keeps her close to family because her sister Carrie Frisbey also works at UT Southwestern, as a Senior Financial Analyst.

Outside of work, Ms. Bufkin enjoys gardening, going on walks with her Siberian husky, traveling with her husband of 37 years, and spending time with her stepgranddaughter in Austin.