By Anna Jense
After an exceptionally challenging year, the College of Pharmacy is delighted to celebrate a major achievement in the life of a beloved PharmDawg! Brad Brown, who has worked at the College since 1996, recently was named CoP Employee of the Year for 2020, the second time in his CoP career that he has received the honor.
Senior Director of Information and Instructional Technology Ed Stanley applauded Brown’s work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and his expertise and grace in handling the challenges it created. “2020 posed extraordinary challenges for everyone. There is no doubt in my mind that we would not have been able to continue conducting the business of the college without Brad’s hard work and dedication. He is an instrumental part of our operation as well as a very well loved and admired member of our college.”
Brown began working for the College of Pharmacy as a Federal Work Study Student during the fall of 1994. After graduating from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business in December of 1996, he began working full time in CoP’s IT department. After 25 years and numerous promotions, Brown currently holds the title of IT Senior Manager under the direction of Stanley and is the acting Facilities Manager under the direction of Dr. Michael Bartlett, Associate Dean for Science Education, Research and Technology.
“[Brad] has my unconditional trust in all issues,” commented Bartlett. “Equally important, he has the trust and admiration of all the faculty and staff in the College. I cannot imagine how we could function without him. He has earned my respect due to his diligence and professional attention to his duties. In addition, Brad is a good person with whom I am honored to work with. I can think of no one more deserving of this award.”
Along with his superiors and supervisors, Brown has earned the respect and appreciation of his colleagues and peers. “I have found Brad to be extremely personable, honest, hard-working, and willing. He puts forth maximum effort and strives to reach a high standard in all that he does,” explained Dr. Henry N. Young, CAP Department Head and Kroger Associate Professor.
Brad was presented his first CoP Employee of the Year award in 1999; in addition, he has received four meritorious service awards in his quarter century of work at the College.
“I have to thank God for the gift of life and for creating in me the desire to serve others and the tenacity to solve problems,” said the humble, gentle man who is always a fan favorite. “I also want to thank my wife, Shannon, for her love and support, and for my son, Skyler, and daughter, Leia, for giving me the reason to ‘do the work of the college!’”
Along with the humans in his life, Brad’s canine sidekick is Charlie, a six-year-old Chihuahua rescue. A native and current resident of Madison County, Brad enjoys viewing movies and has even worked as an extra on various movie and television sets.
The College of Pharmacy is grateful for Brad’s continued dedication and commitment. He exemplifies the true spirit of a PharmDawg.