You thought you had a crazy day at work? Ginger Guttner, director of public relations for the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, voice of LSU’s Mike the Tiger on social media and one of the 12 speakers for TEDxLSU 2016, really has some wild workdays. Whether she is working with veterinary students and faculty, managing PR for the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine or posting as Mike the Tiger on social media, Guttner always knows just what to say.
Recently, I connected with Guttner to learn more about her work and other interests.
What brought you to Baton Rouge?
My family moved to Baton Rouge from the Houston area the summer before my senior year of high school, so I graduated from Lee High here in Baton Rouge. I stayed in Louisiana to attend LSU.
Why did you want to go into Public Relations?
I got my BA in English from LSU in 1992. I went to law school at LSU for one year, but it wasn’t a good fit for me. I realized I liked writing so decided to get my Master’s in journalism. Then, I quickly switched to public relations when I realized I lacked the hunger I think one needs for journalism. Public relations allows me to write, and I don’t have to “do anything to get the story.”
What would you be doing professionally right now if you didn’t work in PR?
I would probably be a very unhappy lawyer.
What is the weirdest day on the job you have ever had?
This is a tough one because every day my job is different. Our Veterinary Teaching Hospital did cataract surgery on a sea lion, and that made for an interesting day. I also get to go along when we release bald eagles and other raptors back into the wild (very cool). And any day I get to see Mike VI and he chuffs at me is a great day.
There was a great post we did with one of his student caretakers. She’s sitting down by him as he’s sitting up against his fence in his habitat, and it looks like she’s fussing at him. The post was, “One of my veterinary student caretakers explaining why we can’t have nice things. I say that bush was asking for it.”
Aside from the part of your job that consists of voicing Mike VI, what are some other aspects of your work that you find really rewarding?
I love working with veterinary students, and the faculty and staff at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine are all amazing people. Plus, it’s not every job that allows you to walk down the hall and get puppy kisses if you need them.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be and what would you fight?
I would want to be able to read people’s minds, but I can’t honestly say I’d use that power for good … so let’s just say that I’d fight petty, simple-minded evil-doers.
If you had a day to do anything you wanted, what would you do?
I’d sit on a beach under an umbrella with a bottle of wine and just read all day.
The theme for TEDxLSU 2016 is “Why.” What is your biggest “why” question right now?
Why must politicians feel that if someone doesn’t follow their specific world-view, that person is the enemy? Just because someone disagrees with you doesn’t mean you have to hate them.
You’ve lived in Baton Rouge for quite a while; what do you think is the best kept secret about the city?
For people outside of Baton Rouge, it’s our restaurants. New Orleans has a great reputation for good food and fun, but we’re doing pretty well. It’s nice to live in a town where it’s hard to find a bad restaurant.
If you could switch jobs with another TEDxLSU 2016 speaker, who would it be and why?
Chris Thomas King because I’ve always secretly wanted to be a singer and a musician.
