Tell us a little bit about your background.
I'm from New York, born and raised in New York City, and I went to all Adventist institutions. I am also a graduate of Andrews University.
Where did you work before this?
Before this, I have worked in healthcare for the past ten years. I was the manager of patient experience, guest services, and interpretation services. These roles are all about making sure the patient and their families receive the best possible care.
How were you led to this position coming from healthcare?
The period since Covid-19 has been a very trying time across the country and across the world, especially in healthcare. At one point we had no visitations because everything was shut down, and we were given the task to provide virtual visitation to our patients. I led my team in virtual visitations, where we went into the rooms of patients that were dying of Covid-19, with iPads, and would stand over them in full PPE, so they could see their loved ones. There were quite a few people that died, so we served as that lifeline. During that process, I started praying to God. It was just a lot and I was ready for a change. I actually went onto the Andrews website's alumni page to see how I could give back financially, and I ended up on the job site. I saw this position, and I said, "Oh, I could do that," and here I am. God opened every possible door, every box, every window.
You talk about God opening doors. Can you talk a little bit about how He did that?
During COVID, my wife and I were praying for a change, specifically for a job change for me. I wanted to be involved in a company that was doing ministry. I had no idea what that meant, but I just kept on praying for the opportunity to get involved with ministry, and then this position opened up. Working with students at Andrews is a ministry.
I applied for the job sometime in April, and I totally forgot about it. Then, I got a call from Dean Yeagley in mid-May. He said he wanted to interview me, we had a meeting through zoom, and the next day, we continued that process. Then, he said, "I would like to offer you the job." I was thinking to myself, "Before I can say yes, I have to bring my family out here–my wife, my daughter–because they have never been to Andrews or Michigan, so it needs to be a family decision. I have to get all this money together for tickets and hotels."
I had a conversation with Dean Faehner about them wanting to invite me out, and she said it would all be taken care of. This all happened within a week. They flew us out, put us up in the Advent Center and took care of our transportation and meals. That was an answer to prayer before I even knew the need. God had already made the decision, and that's just how it's been with the move. When I left New York City, my job and church had a farewell party for us. People were giving us money and gifts, and the money and gifts were things that we needed in Michigan. God provides for us before we can even realize that we need him to provide for us.
Can you talk about what your position is, and describe what it entails?
My title is Associate Dean of Student Involvement, Leadership, and Activities. My goal and my purpose here is to find meaningful ways to engage all students in campus life. We do that through mentoring, and we're going to be doing that through all the different activities that we plan. I'm also the sponsor of AUSA, so I work closely with them. My role is about trying to provide a great student experience here at Andrews. The longer I'm in this role, the more I can understand it and develop it, but at the end of the day, it's all about whatever the students need and being here to facilitate and help. It’s about connecting everyone and collaborating together.
How have you enjoyed it? What impression has Andrews made on you?
I’m enjoying it 125%. I'm so impressed by the diversity of Andrews amongst the faculty, staff, and administration. That's huge. It has always been a place of diversity among students. It's refreshing to see how respectful the students are to each other and to see students of all countries here. I'm also impressed with AUSA and how they work together. Everyone's really respectful and kind. I have had a wonderful experience working with my student life colleagues; I couldn’t ask for a better team. I'm just thrilled to be here.
You mentioned how you wanted to do something in ministry. Are there any examples of how you've already seen that happen, or any ways you would like to see that happen?
The fact that I'm here at Andrews is ministry because we're all about preparing students for the kingdom. This is God's school; we're on anointed grounds. People have prayed over this campus for hundreds of years. The little things that I do, the Welcome Back Party or the Fall Festival, are a form of ministry. The way I plan events and interact with students, being Christ-like, being kind, and being loving, even simply saying hello, are all a form of ministry. I'd like to develop that more. Maybe we can collaborate with other organizations on campus to do ministry events with outreach.
Can you walk us through a day in your life?
My life is hectic. I started this position right as school started, and it was like baptism by fire. It's been a lot of learning. I'm sending emails, assisting the various clubs, answering questions, dealing with sponsors, and planning events. It's a lot of collaboration, a lot of emails, and a lot of communication with students, staff, and faculty.
There is something new every day and it's not just a nine-to-five job. It's seven days a week, because I'm so intertwined with the University and the students. There are late meetings and early meetings.
You mentioned a wife and a daughter. Can you tell us about them? What are your hobbies and interests?
I’ve been married for 15 years, and I have a daughter who is ten years old. As far as hobbies, I enjoy being outside, being with family and friends, traveling, and seeing Broadway shows. My favorite Broadway show is “The Color Purple.”
Before we close, is there anything you want to say to the student body?
I'm always available. I'm located in the Student Life Office of the Campus Center, I'm approachable, and I definitely want to get to know you. Feel free to always stop in, call me, and email me– I'm here to serve you and to work with you. If there's anything that you need from me, by all means, reach out. I'm here to collaborate, and I want to make your experience at Andrews the best it can be. Whatever events that you want to see or things that you need, please let me know.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.