More than a desk job: Linda McClain’s legacy of care at CMU

After more than two decades of service in the College of Business Administration, Executive Secretary Linda McClain is preparing to retire from Central Michigan University this May. Known for her warmth, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to students, Linda has become a trusted presence in Grawn Hall – one whose impact will linger long after she steps away from her desk.

“I’ve just always loved helping students – academically, personally, however they needed it,” she said. “When you go off to college, you shouldn’t be thrown out into the world by yourself. You need your tribe to watch over you.”

For Linda, that meant far more than answering questions at the front desk. She offered rides to Walmart for visiting parents, helped students navigate forms and deadlines, and became a kind, familiar face in moments of uncertainty. One of her favorite memories is a spontaneous afternoon with an international student from Mongolia who needed help getting to the Social Security office.

“She came in and said she missed the bus and needed a ride. I had actually made my own Social Security appointment for that same day – I was starting my retirement process, and she was just starting her first campus job,” Linda recalled with a laugh. “So, we went together. Afterward, she asked if we could take a selfie in front of the building – she said, ‘You're ending your career and I'm starting mine.’”

The trip even included an unexpected visit to the car wash, where Linda introduced the student to the colorful lights and sounds of the experience. “She’d never been to one before. We just had fun. If Doozie’s had been open, I’d have taken her for ice cream too,” she said. “That’s the kind of thing I’ve loved – just being there for someone in the moment.”

Linda’s dedication didn’t go unnoticed. She received CMU’s Staff Excellence Award in 2011, as well as a College of Business-specific recognition more recently. But what she’s most proud of are the relationships she’s built and the students she’s seen grow over the years.

“I follow some of them on Facebook now. I’ve watched them graduate, start careers, become parents. I’ve made a lot of friendships that I think will last forever.”

Linda’s approachability and can-do spirit also made her a go-to problem solver around the office. From fielding unexpected questions – like how many seats are in Kelly/Shorts Stadium – to locating eyelash glue for a student in a rush, she’s seen it all.

“There’s something new and funny almost every week. That’s what keeps it interesting,” she said.

While she’s excited for the freedom that comes with retirement – like not needing to cram all her housework into a Saturday – she admits she’ll miss the daily human connection most of all.

“I need that people connection,” she said. “That’s going to be the hardest part. But I’ll still be around.”

Linda plans to continue serving as her township’s clerk and is looking forward to planting flowers, tackling home projects, and possibly joining her daughter on a warm-weather getaway next winter. Her daughter, who is finishing her second CMU master’s degree, has already floated the idea of a cruise or trip to Cancun.

And she’s not planning to disappear completely.

“I’d love to stay in touch. I really mean that,” she said. “I encourage anyone – students, faculty, staff – to add me on Facebook. That way we can still connect.”

Before her official retirement on May 30, the campus community will have a chance to celebrate Linda’s career with cake and light refreshments at her retirement party on April 28 from 3 to 5 p.m. in Grawn Atrium.

As she looks ahead to the next chapter, Linda hopes she’ll be remembered as someone who was always ready to lend a hand.

“I’d like people to say, ‘If Linda were here, she’d know the answer.’ That would mean a lot.”