Name: Briana Newkirk (they/them/their)
Title: Administrative Assistant 3
Department: Campus Inclusion & Community
Where are you from? Rural Wisconsin
What brought you to Student Affairs?
Ironically, an English internship. I thought I would be a magazine editor when I was in my undergrad and ended up in the Women’s Resource Center for an English internship… and found a passion for programming with/for students. I worked there until 2016 and found my way to CIC shortly thereafter.
How many years have you worked in Student Affairs at Northwestern? 3
What’s your favorite part about working in Student Affairs?
Watching students grow into themselves. It never gets old.
What recommendation(s) do you have for someone new to Student Affairs?
Don’t be afraid to use your “newness” to your advantage! Introduce yourself to people, schedule coffee/lunch runs, and ALWAYS be willing to ask questions.
Who or what has had the greatest influence on your career?
My supervisor/mentor when I served as the Office Manager for the Women’s Resource Center at UW-Milwaukee. As a first-generation, low-income student employee, I had no idea how to begin navigating systems that weren’t built for me and didn’t know what I didn’t know. This supervisor walked me through one of the most intense growth periods of my life/career and I’m so grateful.
What inspires you?
Empathy.
What can’t you live without?
My three fur-babies: a 4-year-old Australian Sheppard (Rhylee), a 4-year-old Pitbull (Charlie), and a sassy 17-year-old calico cat (Cece). And of course my fiance, who I get to call my husband at the end of March!
How do you like to spend your free time?
I’ve been enjoying exploring the city – finally – after living here for almost 4 years. I love finding hidden gems.
What’s your favorite spot on campus? I love the pathway from the arch to Norris. In the fall those trees are so beautiful.
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.