Name: Mark Ells
Job Title: Research Assistant Professor
Where do you hail from:
I'm a Nebraskan.
What is it they say you do: That depends on which "they" you mean . . . I help out with the legal training, have a very small role with the QIC-WD, and do some outside consulting work with the Capacity Building Center for States.
Who are your early influences/who inspired you most: Early influences were definitely the adults in my family--parents, grandparents, aunts & uncles. I attended a one-room school for two years. My 4th & 5th grade teacher, Miss Gillette, was the first teacher I remember who inspired me to actually study and learn.
What has been your greatest source of career satisfaction: People. I've been blessed to have had lots of opportunities to work with amazingly smart, dedicated and compassionate people in the almost 40 years since I (somehow) graduated from Law School.
What has been an unexpected detour: The unexpected detour -- certainly not a frustration or disappointment, but definitely unexpected--was to get involved in child welfare in the early 1980's. Was not in my grand career plan. I couldn't be happier that it happened.
Family life/hobbies /community involvement: My favorite place to be is on the beach with my wife. Second most favorite place is anywhere with her and our kids and grandkids!
The quotation I [try to] live my life by is...... "Pay attention!"