by Marcia Wilson

This month we welcome Brandon Dawley, Director of Outreach and Entry Services at Clover Park Technical College.

Name: Brandon Dawley

Location: Building 17, Room 101–The Welcome Center

A little background: Mr. Dawley’s life is truly diverse. A member of CPTC for almost 8 years, he describes himself in the following way:

‘My work history in the United States Army, community college sector and local politics, as well as my life’s path from a poor/working class family, has given me tools necessary to be successful when working with individuals of various cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds. My Bachelors Degree in American Studies (University of Washington) has a clear focus on what makes Americans different but very much the same. This interdisciplinary approach is vital to webbing together certain aspects of the human experience and moving forward to improve on them. I would like to use this information gathered to better my community and the people who live in it. My technological skills and certificate in the Industrial Technology field has given me the tools to properly apply my life’s work in a contemporary fashion.’

Personality & Connection: What’s a hobby or interest that brings you joy outside of work?

Brandon: I work on a ranch in Spanaway! I move hay, drive tractors and stuff. I’m paid to do it, but I like it and in summer, but not when its cold outside. I also play a lot of video games. I’m a gamer. I’m a little polarized! (laughs)

CPTC: Can you talk a little bit about the ranch?

Brandon: “It’s a horse ranch. People pay to ranch, to store their personal horses. A lot of people buy horses they can’t keep and they board them and we take care of them. It’s a good skill to know!

Optional and Extras: How do you describe your role to friend and family?

—this was asked before we learned Brandon has worked here as an Enrollment Specialist, Credentials Evaluator, and Entry Coordinator before his current post. Prior to CPTC he interned at the office of Senator Maria Cantwell, was a VA certifying Official for Pierce College, an Assistant manager for an auto repair shop, and served for 8 years in the U.S. Army as Quartermaster and Chemical Equipment Repairman in South Korea, Fort Hood, Texas, and finally here in Fort Lewis!

“Because they don’t really understand Higher Ed lingo, I say I oversee admissions advising and recruiting. We go out and find students and bring them in for onboarding. It’s always an exciting day. We’re an open campus; the starting point from students and the first face we see.

Mindset and Values:  If you could change one misconception the public has about technical colleges, what would it be?

Brandon: “Well, the 8 years I’ve been here, we were recruiting in high schools. They tend to put us in places for nontraditional students. Non-academics, the troubled kids… history has taught us this is where they put us. But recently I have seen a shift; they are including us. Students who come here are not any less intelligent, just intelligent in a different way with practical environments, nose in the books, focuses. These

 students are scientists and I don’t think that’s acknowledged enough. They have a real value. 

“The value we have is, there’s no guessing. We help students find employment. That’s how we help them.

Career path and purpose: What’s something about your job that people outside higher education might not understand?

Brandon: I think we’re sort of like the catalyst for folks. We have students who come in here. I don’t want to say they’re aimless, but they lack guidance and we are sort of that first touch with folks. We are able to get them in a position they w

ouldn’t necessarily see all by themselves. Our job is to translate for them so they can see themselves. We help them apply to admissions on the first day, and then in June, we see them walking.

Role and Impact:  How does your role support students, even if they may never meet you?

Brandon: Sometim

es I step in—I don’t really “work” with them a lot anymore–my job here is to make sure my employees are taken care of and informed and what that does is trickle down to the students. If entry coordinators are happy that’s the first thing the students see. They need to enjoy coming back to work, inclusive.   First impressions are everything. Being the first department the students come into contact with, that’s what we do, make sure its a positive and long-lasting one

CPTC: Brandon, thanks for your time, it was fun to learn about you and what you have to say!

Brandon: “Thank you!” (Laughs)