After former registrar Robert Wise retired last school year, the school this summer hired a tech-savvy parent of two SHS graduates for the position. Jean Hsu comes to the school following her career as an analog power management integrated circuit designer.
As a registrar, Hsu is tackling many diverse responsibilities. During her first couple of weeks, Hsu worked with class and new student enrollment, class transfers, transcript requests and supporting the staff with whatever data needed.
Hsu graduated from UC Berkeley with a Masters of Science in Electrical Engineering and out of college, worked at Maxim Integrated Products as an analog circuit designer for 24 years. After over two decades in the same career, Hsu decided it was time for a change, as the job didn’t bring her the same excitement it once had. Therefore, Hsu began searching for new career options and ultimately decided on the role of SHS registrar.
With her past technical experience, she has easily transitioned into her new role.
“I think [the registrar position] is, in a way, kind of similar to my previous job in that it handles a lot of data,” Hsu said. “As an analog circuit designer, I was basically working on hardware design, which actually involves a lot of data analysis.”
Hsu’s familiarity with the school also aided her transition. Her two children are school alumni, with both currently in graduate school. The pair were actively engaged in the orchestra and robotics program. Due to their heavy involvement in the school, taking on a formal role here was a natural transition for her.
Hsu has appreciated the welcoming environment within students and faculty, with particular emphasis on the office staff, whom she described as hospitable and kind.
“I like that SHS is such a personal school, so everybody knows everybody,” Hsu said. “It’s a small community and a very intimate environment that you can’t find in other schools. I think this is just such a great place to be.”
