Staff Who SOAR – Patrick Robertson

February 4, 2025

Meet Patrick Robertson, university housing assistant, who was nominated for Staff Who SOAR in 2024. Patrick was nominated for his dedication to his work:

“Patrick does so many different things for University Housing, including golf cart training to assignments, early arrivals, break stays, liaising with athletics, international, RLCs and room changes. He has the remarkable ability of dedicated focus and concentration on each task and is willing to do more when asked.”

Continue reading the Q&A to get to know Patrick.

Question: What led you to Georgia Southern University?

Answer: I have known Georgia Southern my entire life. I broke ground with Erk Russell at Paulson Stadium, never missed a home football game and I love all the traditions and family feel here at Georgia Southern. I was working at a local elementary school with a special needs student, and my lead teacher's husband walked in and said, "I need a secretary." After school ended that year, I came to my job here at GSU. My first official day was June 6, 2006.

Q: Are you involved in any committees or additional activities at Georgia Southern?

A: I drive a golf cart to assist our elderly and ADA guests, helping them get closer to their events. I support numerous campus partners with events such as commencement, family weekends, athletic events, VIP events and concerts. I also volunteer for any event at Georgia Southern that I can. I've been told I have a servant's heart and love staying busy. Volunteering is something I truly enjoy and seeing our students succeed motivates me to go above and beyond.

Q: How does it feel to be recognized by your coworkers?

A: I feel both excited and humbled to be recognized.

Q: What is the best piece of career advice you ever received?

A: Expect change and be able to adapt to it, which can be very difficult sometimes, and to always love your job.

Q: How has your current position changed?

A: When I started with housing, there was a wing with four desks side by side, plus the main phone line with no office doors or windows. We each had certain tasks that we had to get done each day. Over the years, my daily tasks have grown tremendously. I used to worry about a few hundred students, now working with several thousand throughout the year. I have been given different "titles," but I have done the same job for almost two decades now. 

Q: Is there anyone who has had a significant impact on you or your work?

A:  Yes — everyone who I have met and have not yet met. However, there is one person who had a significant impact on my work, Patricia Waters. Mrs. Pat, as I called her, used to work with me here at University Housing. She would always make sure I was able to help someone each day, and in turn, Mrs. Pat made sure that all my needs were met each day. I'll never forget memories like delivering cakes to students on their birthdays, picking up her lunch with her reminder to always "tell them to make sure it is hot on the inside and cold on the outside," feeding her dog seven cheeseburgers every payday, or helping me with life's tough challenges. Mrs. Pat truly had a significant impact on me and my work.