Name: Brian Druley
Department: Health Service
Title: Director for Administration and Information Technology
Where are you from? Chicago – the “South Side.”
What brought you to Student Affairs? Once I was able to determine my preferred career path in higher education, I knew I wanted to work in health care in an administrative support role and to be part of the growth of health information technology. In fall of 1989, a colleague in Human Resources suggested I apply for the Administrative Manager position at the Health Service and the opportunity to oversee the implementation of the first practice management application for the Health Service. While my position and I have evolved through many changes over the years, I’m having an extremely satisfying career experience at Northwestern totaling 41 years. Before I came to Student Affairs, I held positions with Northwestern University Library, Human Resources and the Office of Development.
How many years have you worked in Student Affairs at Northwestern? 30
What’s your favorite part about working in Student Affairs? I have enjoyed being witness to the extraordinary growth of programs and services in Student Affairs and developed strong respect for how our staff continually adapt to the needs of our student population. All the positions I have held over my four decades at Northwestern have involved the role of recruiting and hiring staff. My Northwestern career has provided so many opportunities to collaborate with many talented staff over the years and watch their careers take focus and direction. The last few years, I have especially enjoyed developing the program on Patient Support Services for the Health Service and building the team that helps Northwestern students navigate the many complexities associated with health care services.
What recommendation(s) do you have for someone new to Student Affairs? I would suggest finding the time to tap the experience of both Student Affairs staff and other campus partners who have the depth of career experiences to help you find a path to make a difference. I know many of us are currently encountering challenges with allocation and funding of resources. Consider seeking out and exploring the perspectives of others that may help you find that new solution that seems so elusive. I was recently reminded of this in reading about the achievements of Student Affairs staff in the History of Student Affairs at Northwestern University: 1855-2018 that Mary Desler and Patricia Telles-Irvin compiled in their very extraordinary book. There are so many relevant lessons of history and insight to be learned from their research.
What inspires you? Working with children in a teaching or mentoring role inspires me the most and I have a personal interest in supporting the recovery of children with adverse experiences associated with gang violence. I was a volunteer and co-founder of a technology program for 5 years at Hephzibah Children’s Association which is a non-profit serving at-risk children in Oak Park. Every Saturday morning, I coordinated a group of volunteer technology mentors that taught basic computer skills with iPads and iMacs to the 26 children in foster care that resided at the group home. The most exciting learning moments came from teaching concepts of coding using apps such as Scratch from MIT and Swift Playgrounds from Apple. Watching kids push their perceived limits of learning and achieve new skills is an incredibly satisfying experience.
What can’t you live without? I welcome any opportunity to spend time with my close friend Mary and her 10 year old daughter, Lindy. All of the best moments in my life are connected to sharing adventures with them. Lindy continuously amazes me with me her ability and talents in gymnastics, softball, theater and dance. I especially enjoy attending her theater and dance performances. Participating in Lindy’s life, helping her find a path to happiness and supporting her development is what is most important to me. Lindy would also tell you I have an intense addiction to any technology made by Apple Computer.
How do you like to spend your free time? Finding time to play and experiment with my modest collection of guitars, keyboards and synthesizers is what I enjoy most and helps me relax after a long day at Northwestern. I have converted a bedroom at my house into a recording studio to pursue my music projects. While I have no desire to pursue music performance, it fulfills my need to be creative with all the exciting developments in music technology and explore inventing soundscapes. Additionally, I’m endlessly involved in the pursuit of various home improvements projects, gardening, landscaping and finding time to enjoy a BBQ feast in the backyard.
What’s your favorite spot on campus? I’m very happy with my office space. When I’ve been staring at my computer too long there are frequently a variety of wildlife outside my window that are a good distraction.
Each week a different staff member in the division of Student Affairs will be featured. Staff can opt in to be featured, by filling out the Staff Spotlight Submission form. Student Affairs Marketing staff reach out to staff from across the division asking for participation. The spotlights will be featured in the Student Affairs Snapshot e-newsletter.