35 Years: Andrea Blanton

Andrea Blanton
Andrea Blanton

When Andrea Blanton, Account Auditor in the Medical Science Research Development Plan (MSRDP) celebrates her 35 years at UT Southwestern Medical Center, it will be a day like never before. That’s partly because Ms. Blanton has never taken part in the Employee Recognition Program before.

“I don’t know why, I just didn’t want to do it,” she says. “But this year it seemed like a good time to join in.”

Jokingly asked whether her first-time participation means that she’ll stay at UT Southwestern, Ms. Blanton’s booming laugh comes across the telephone line: “I do think I’m probably going to stick around for a while.”

The MSRDP unit moved to UT Southwestern’s Brookriver facility about a year ago. In the group, she works on the department’s billing compliance procedures. In the past, she’s dealt with credit reports.

“UT Southwestern has great benefits, as everyone knows,” she says, “and I enjoy my job and the people I work with.”

There are two sides to Ms. Blanton – one that’s not noticeable, and one that’s easy to hear, she says.

“I’d like people to know that I’m a quiet person, and I like to stay to myself,” Ms. Blanton says, “but I know I have a voice that carries. I’m opinionated, and I say what I think.”

Ms. Blanton, who wants to be known as someone “who made an impact on many new employees” loves to shop when away from her work at the medical center.

One thing her co-workers know is that her greatest claim to fame is becoming a grandmother. Her daughter, Katessa, and son-in-law, DeWitt, have given her two grandchildren, Zoey and Zoinne.

Employee Recognition 2015

Long-term employees play an invaluable role in the life of UT Southwestern Medical Center. Their faithful, dedicated service has helped the institution become what it is today. In this special edition of Center Times, we showcase some of these employees and their varied interests.