Staff Who SOAR – Andrew Durden

Meet Andrew Durden, registration and records specialist in the Office of the Registrar, who was nominated twice to Staff Who SOAR for his willingness to go above and beyond for student success in eCore classes.

“Andrew was able to assist quickly when a student wanted to withdraw from an eCore course AND when she changed her mind and decided to remain in the class after all. Not only that, he was very encouraging to the student when she mentioned that she had been feeling overwhelmed by the class. I think he really went above and beyond!”

“Andrew has been the BEST! He took over the GOML/eCore this past Spring and has been amazing to work with! GOML isn’t easy with all the different dates, deadlines, and working with other universities! Andrew has been patient, helpful, cool, calm and collected while learning GOML and dealing with those of us who thought we knew all about GOML! He made the beginning of summer semester smooth and easy with registration and attendance verification. He has been my go-to and has made my life so much easier with his done-and-done responses! Andrew is a pleasure to work with and deserves all the praise! Thank you, Andrew!”

Andrew Durden with Lydia Tar Lemieux the chicken

Continue reading the Q&A to learn more about Andrew’s passion for his work and what motivates him. 

Question: How long have you worked at the University?

Answer: I started in June 2016, so close to nine years. I worked in the Office of Financial Aid for nearly four years and then almost two years in Enrollment Services. Georgia Southern University almost inherited me. I was an Armstrong staff member in financial aid, but over the years, I have blossomed here. I am so happy they got me.

Q: What does your job entail?

A: My title is Registration and Records Specialist. My focus is on transfer equivalencies and total withdrawals for the students. My big duty is eCampus, which includes building hundreds of courses for eCore, eMajor and all other programs. I am the school's primary point of contact, so I am your person if anyone needs anything from eCampus. 

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

A: It's great. I try just to be as helpful as I can. I know how hard it can be to get everything done during busy times, so I'm glad if I can be a bright spot or help that day. 

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

A: It's simple, but take every student one at a time. They deserve your time, and also, your brain deserves the time. 

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

A: I am on Staff Council (four years), the EMSS Engagement Committee, the Registrar’s Workshop Committee and the University Awards of Excellence Committee. I love getting to work with people on campus I might not usually engage with, and I make new friends and work contacts all the time through my committee work. Also, I honestly really just like being a part of something. The Staff Council cannot get rid of me! I'm haunting them. :) 

Q: What motivates you to go above and beyond at work?

A: I love the people I work with. The registrar's office has been a great department to me and I get to work with the best department on campus, so it's not hard to be motivated every day. 

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

A: Tracee Hickman in financial aid. She is the reason I survived the summer of 2016. She was so patient and kind to me during a daunting first couple of months at the university. I will always be grateful to Tracee! 

Q: What is a fun fact about yourself?

A: I have a twin sister, Mary! I also love movies dearly. I will recommend a movie in a heartbeat. Please watch "Broadcast News" 1987. 

Q: Can you tell me a bit about the chicken in your photo?

A: It's actually one of Kelli Lemiuex's (Enrollment Services). She has a bunch of chickens. I was going to house sit and she was showing me how to feed the chickens, and I, of course, picked one up and forced her to take a pic! My nickname for her was Lydia Tar Lemieux.

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Posted in Applaud, Reward & Recognition, Staff

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