JagNation’s Julia Eveker: ‘Success of our organization is ultimately linked to our people’

In this series, Jagwire continues to feature people from around Augusta University and AU Health who keep JagNation running. Email the media relations team to share your story.

In honor of Veterans Day on Nov. 11, we are talking to colleagues who serve at Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home in the month of November. This week, we speak with Julia Eveker.

Where is your spot in the JagNation?

I have the honor to serve as the associate director of the Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home, affectionately known as the Blue Goose. In this role, my responsibilities include the leadership and oversight of several teams that support day-to-day operations of the organization, including health information management/admissions; the business office; environmental services, maintenance and safety; and food and nutrition services.

How long have you been a part of JagNation?

Previously, as a student, from 2004 to 2005, earning a post baccalaureate certificate in health information management; and, currently, serving as an employee since March 2007.

Most interesting thing about your job?

Meeting each of our veteran residents and their families as they admit to Georgia War and day-to-day interactions with our veterans and staff is very interesting. I enjoy listening to their stories, and I am honored to be part of the team that provides care to Georgia’s veterans in a most vulnerable time of their lives. It is a true privilege to serve our veterans. Each day brings new and different opportunities. As with other disciplines within the JagNation, there is never a dull moment at the Blue Goose!

Favorite thing about JagNation?

Being part of a diverse campus community and health system, working with the various colleges of Augusta University to foster the tripartite mission through patient care, student education/training and research.

Family:

A son, Evan, 16, and daughter, Sarah, 14, and our three dogs (Oliver, Atticus and Cletus).

Hobbies:

Reading, spending time with my kids and our dogs, the beach, and watching sports (especially Clemson football).

Something the JagNation does not know about you:

Some may not know that we are a military Gold Star family. I’m classified as a Gold Star wife as the widow of a military service member. The term “Gold Star” indicates a family member who has lost a loved one in military service. My husband, Brig. Gen. Steven Eveker, died while serving on active duty in November 2017 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

Augusta University values are compassion, collegiality, excellence, inclusivity, integrity and leadership. Describe how you fulfill one or more of these values (how/why)?

Collegiality and compassion come to mind. We have phenomenal and dedicated staff. The success of our organization is ultimately linked to our people. As a leader, I strive to foster these values with both our staff and the students we serve.

Through collegiality, I strive to promote a sense of community and teamwork. At Georgia War, we foster internal and external collaborative efforts. We are fortunate to host and collaborate with resident physicians of the Medical College of Georgia Department of Family Medicine and Eisenhower Army Medical Center Internal Medicine as they complete four-week geriatric rotations at Georgia War.

Whether it’s sharing a message or providing an empathetic listening ear to staff or students, I strive to promote a compassionate environment. These values are further fulfilled in geriatrics teaching opportunities we provide for JagNation students representing the College of Nursing, Dental College of Georgia, College of Allied Health Sciences and the Medical College of Georgia.