Speaker: Brent Crocker, Director of Emergency Management
What led you to pursue a career in Student Affairs?
Brent Crocker: I was led to a career in student affairs by the people that I worked with and the people that we served, I really enjoyed working with students. I really enjoyed the, the development that you could see from a student who was just starting at Mississippi State and uh the progression that they made throughout their academic year, uh and also enjoyed working with the staff. The uh the people in the division are great. They care. They have a genuine concern about the uh the growth and development and well-being of our students.
What is the most rewarding part of the work you do?
Brent Crocker: I think one of the most rewarding parts of the job is, uh, is knowing that we're supporting um this, uh this university and we're giving students an enjoyable and safe and fun and educational experience while they're here on campus. And uh things that happen outside of the classroom can, can really help them learn and grow and help them develop, they become better citizens, um better people. And that translates also into their careers.
Is there a quote you can share that is especially meaningful to you as it relates to your work?
Brent Crocker: Well, I think there are several quotes that, um, can really relate to emergency management and the work in student affairs. Uh, there is a David Brooks quote that, that goes something like "Almost every successful person begins with two beliefs: One that the future can be better than the present and then two that they have the power to make it so."
If you could give a piece of advice to someone who was newly entering a career in student affairs, what would it be?
Brent Crocker: A small piece of advice that I would give anyone entering into a career in student affairs is to learn everything that you can. Learn about uh the university as a whole. Learn about areas outside of where you normally work. Get to know the university as as well as you can and build relationships with those people who work across campus. Those relationships will serve you well when things go really bad, uh or whenever you just need help in any particular area. And so learn all you can and build strong relationships with your colleagues.
