What area do you work in within the VPFA portfolio?
I am a Communications Scheduler within the Associate Vice President (AVP) section of Business Affairs where I have worked for almost 18 years.
My current duties include providing support to the AVP of Business Affairs and Controller and all of his direct reports and office personnel. I pay the bills, update the websites, and manage the conference room calendars along with many other calendars. I am the parking coordinator, telephone coordinator, and travel coordinator. I do all the “as needed” duties for the entire office. I am the go-to guy to get things done.
What has been your career path; how did you end up in your current position?
I have had a long and storied career path, which has taken me all over the world. I enlisted in the U.S. Air Force after high school—following in the footsteps of my uncle. He was a U.S. Air Force master sergeant whose purpose, pride, and attention to detail I admired very much.
My 20 years of military service took me to West Germany, Indiana, South Carolina, Washington, Florida, California, South Korea, and Arizona. During those years I worked in heavy construction, snow removal, production management, civil engineering liaison work, programming and scheduling, facilities management, base maintenance contractor inspecting, and customer service management. I retired from the Air Force in 1997 and moved with my family back to Springfield, Oregon.
In 2000, I was hired at the UO. I have supported other departments when needed and helped test a number of new applications on campus. I plan to stay here until I retire again!
What obstacles have you overcome in your career?
There have been a few that stand out:
- Working in other countries where I had to learn other languages and cultures while keeping within the American guidelines.
- Finding ways to get the job done with people of varied and diverse backgrounds and languages.
- Confronting the stress that raising a family during a time of conflict brings to the fore.
Since being at the UO, I have really had no major obstacles to deal with.
How has working at UO enabled your professional goals and interests?
It has allowed me the opportunity to work in a more relaxed and stress-free environment for the betterment of my health. It has also allowed me to better support my family and my co-workers.
What do you like about your current position?
My position offers me the opportunity to do many different things on a daily basis, keeping my mind fresh and productive. I never deal with the same old thing; work presents a new adventure every day. I also enjoy the outstanding people I work for and with; we are like a family.
What advice would you have for others; what secrets would you share with someone thinking of applying to the UO?
My advice applies to everyday life and not just to people interested in working at the UO: Keep a positive attitude and be the best you that you can be. Always do your best no matter how insignificant you may think the task is. If it is something that needs done, then do it the best way you know how.
Now for the secret part (shhhh, don’t tell anyone): be a nice person and life moves along so much simpler.
Also, I think every American needs to visit another country to see that lifestyles are not the same everywhere.
Family
I have been married to Marne (Cooper) of Springfield, Oregon for almost 37 years. We have three beautiful daughters, a 13-year-old grandson, and a 2-year-old granddaughter, all of whom I love dearly.
Favorite food
Dr. Pepper (it is not only food, but a food group).
If I have to pick an actual food (oh, all right then): German Chocolate Cake.
Best movie you have seen
The American President, with Michael Douglas
If you could only take three items with you to a deserted island, what would they be?
- My wife (at my age it would probably be a short stay)
- My bowling balls (they go everywhere I go)
- Keys to the speed boat that brought me to the island (it’s parked on the beach)
How do you want to be remembered?
As an honest, hardworking, person who cared about others and really loved his family.
If you could have the answer to any question, what would it be?
Why is it so difficult for people to get along?
(August 2018)