How long have you worked at Buffalo State College and if applicable what other areas have you
worked/positions have you served in at Buffalo State College?
I’ve been at Buffalo State since 2007. Before joining the Instructional Design & Training team in 2016 as Educational Technology Specialist, I served as the Classroom Support Supervisor in what used to be Instructional Resources, working more directly with the maintenance, troubleshooting, and training of classroom technology in our learning spaces across campus.
What motivates you to provide excellent services for your colleagues, students, and supervisor?
I think at my core, I enjoy being a helper and a fixer (just look to my 21-year-old Volkswagen!). If I can help people work more efficiently and effectively and maybe even make their lives a little easier through the technology support and training we offer, I consider that a big win. I feel very fortunate to work with a great team whose members I respect and just enjoy being around as people. I love working in higher ed and being a part of such an important mission of “empowering students to succeed and to inspiring a lifelong passion for learning,” even in an indirect way.
What personal philosophy about working with others guides your day-to-day work?
I try to treat everyone with kindness and respect and always keep learning. With technology changing so rapidly, especially now, I think it’s important to always be open to a better way of doing things. Everyone comes from different backgrounds with different levels of ability, so being flexible and really listening are important, too.
What do you do when you are not working?
One of my big endeavors outside of my day job for most of my adult life has been acting and improvising throughout WNY and beyond. I think it’s really helped with things I carry over into my work at Buffalo State, too, like listening, adapting, and continuing to learn. Other than that, I enjoy raising my two children, fixing up my house, running, meditation, collecting and listening to vinyl records, and playing guitar. I’m really trying not to squander my life!
No task is too small or big for Todd. He is always willing to offer a helping hand. As people were learning new technologies and expanding their boundaries of how we can support our students, he was always a supportive voice on their end of the line. Todd patiently walks people through the steps to teach them the new technologies, offer suggestions and solutions on how to improve their processes, and is always willing to answer questions even if the same question was asked multiple times. Todd gives people time to learn and practice these new skills and always lets them know he is there for help and support if they need it.
Todd always has a smile on his face (even behind his mask). He is supportive to faculty and staff during the COVID-19 Pandemic by bringing a "You can do it attitude" when people seem to feel and think they can't complete a task. He is encouraging and supportive in all aspects of his job.
When our world was changing right before our eyes, Todd was able to quickly pivot and continue to provide exceptional support to our Buffalo State community. His resilience and acceptance of change assured the faculty and staff that things were going to be OK. The support would continue, teaching and learning could continue and we could all continue to stay connected with each other utilizing the campus technologies.
Todd is always willing to help out anyone on campus with a smile and laugh. He is known throughout the campus as one of the most upbeat, helpful and uplifting people. Todd has helped with setting up and breaking down events and ensuring presentations are successful.
As a member of the Administrative Staff Working Group, (ASWG) which is a collaborate group of administrative support staff that works towards increasing communication and processes on campus, we have asked Todd to speak to our group many times. Our group is always searching for ways to be more efficient in our positions, especially with using the technology platforms on campus. He has presented to our group on topics related to Microsoft Forms, One Drive, Outlook and Office 365 groups. During these presentations, we feel comfortable asking any question, and never feel like any question is a stupid or silly ask, because of his positive and encouraging personality. Even after the presentations, he makes himself available to our group if we ever have an issue or question while working in our offices or at home.
Todd always has a smile on his face a big, hearty laugh that will fill any room he is in. While he presents, he creates a wonderful learning environment even to those who might be reluctant to learn. He is known throughout campus, and our campus is a better place having him be a part of it. He welcomes new employees at UUP events and is very easy to talk to.
Todd brings a smile, professionalism, and good humor to every conversation. He listens, really listens, to what people need and he sticks with it until a solution can be found. Some of us aren’t the best at Technology but you’d never know it from Todd’s demeanor. He meets everyone where they are and finds a way to move them forward so that we can do our best for our students.
