Some employees are not just employees. The memorable ones are pillars of the organization, define the institutional culture, are the proverbial glue who hold everything together. They are characterized by kindness, patience, intuitiveness, commitment, intelligence, loyalty, dedication, compassion, and a willingness to help others, regardless of the circumstance or any assigned job duties.
Brad Brown is one of these special, unique individuals. And he will remain in our memory for a long time to come. After 30 years of service, Brad will retire from CoP as Facilities Manager and Senior Manager of IIT on Friday, January 31. Through the years, Brad has worn many hats at the College, but his stellar characteristics have never faltered. Simply put, he is that guy—a good person and an exceptional human being.
“Brad Brown—what a distinguished career he has had!” said Dr. George Francisco, former Associate Dean at CoP and one of Brad’s mentors. “Throughout his years at the College of Pharmacy, I never encountered faculty, staff, or students who had anything but positive comments about him. He has always demonstrated competence and service with a smile and a genuine desire for customer satisfaction.”
Brad’s retirement celebration is this Friday, January 31, from 3-5 pm in the Wilson Lobby. In recognition of the many hats Brad has worn, all attendees are asked to wear a ball cap, similar to those he wears daily.
In the meantime, Brad reflected on his three decades of work at the College of Pharmacy—and shared plans he’s making for the future.
When did you start at the College of Pharmacy, and why did you want to come here?
I was a UGA student at the time, and one of my mother’s friends, who worked at the College of Pharmacy, suggested that I do my Federal Work Study (FWS) student program here. I started at the College in August of 1994 as an FWS student assigned to Ken Schroder, Facilities Manager. When Ken didn’t have much for me to do, he asked Dr. Alan Gingle, IT Director, if I could help with IT-related tasks. Dr. Gingle obliged, and that’s when I fell in love with electronics. About the time I was to graduate, the College needed another full-time IT employee; so, Dean Stuart Feldman created an IT position for me. I started in December 1996, the day after I graduated from the Terry College of Business with a BBA. I was sick as a dog my first day, but I wasn’t about to call out!
What were the various positions you held?
- 8/94 – Student Worker in Facilities Management
- 12/96 – Hired as Network Services Specialist II
- 12/98 – Reclassified to Network Services Specialist IV
- 2/04 – Reclassified to Network Administrator Associate
- 5/05 – Assumed additional duties as Hazmat Technician
- 8/12 – Reclassified to IT Senior Manager
- 6/20 – Assumed additional duties as Facilities Manager
Who was a mentor to you at the College of Pharmacy?
I have multiple mentors from the College: Ken Schroder, former Facilities Manager; Dr. Alan Gingle, former faculty member, who specialized in IT and Electronics; John Anderson, Computer Networking and Problem Solving; and last but not least, Dr. George Francisco, the Associate Dean, who taught me diplomacy and professionalism. I couldn’t have made it without them.
What was your most indelible memory?
There are numerous fond memories, but I always enjoyed working during the student holiday breaks and spending time with all my mentors as well as my colleagues, including Sarah Jones, Russ Palmer, Chris Duran, Sam Cook, and Andrew Wilson.
What was your favorite part of your job?
On the technical front, computer networking was my favorite. On the IT helpdesk and facilities side, it was the constant interaction with people. I always felt like I was making a difference.
You received Employee of the Year – twice! This is unprecedented. Describe what it was like to receive this award two times. What were their unique meanings?
Well, I’m definitely in good company; Joy Wilson (former PBS Office Manager) also won the Employee of the Year award twice. The 1999 one holds a special place in my heart, because it is the first real professional award I received for my work. The 2020 one was a bit different, because I feel like it was tied to the pandemic and all the work that I put into keeping things going and on track during that difficult time.
What will you miss the most?
Feeling like Superman every day! Nah, it may be cliché, but I’ll miss everyone!
What was your greatest accomplishment? What do you want to be remembered for?
I think implementing computer networks and video communication systems that had a significant impact on faculty and students alike were my greatest accomplishments. I want to be remembered for the phrase, “Doing the work of the College,” similar to Dr. Henry Cobb’s, “Doing a fine job!”
What do you plan to do in retirement?
I’m too young to really retire! I plan to continue working in some capacity, but I don’t have any plans to announce as of yet. I’ll also enjoy being home with my family – Shannon, my wife; Skyler, my son (currently in the Army); my daughter, Leia; and then, of course, Charlie Brown and Maple Brown – my four-legged best friends!
