INTERVIEWED AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY REBECCA WILLIAMS
The staff and faculty are undoubtedly the backbone of SCAD. It’s easy to take for granted the jobs they do as we trudge along to our 8 a.m. classes with our first-year kits. Countless people work behind the scenes every day to ensure our school runs smoothly. They mostly go undetected, yet still, their presence is greatly felt and appreciated. Security guards, shuttle bus drivers, chefs and so many more individuals provide a leg up that we need to get through our days.
I spoke to the men and women who keep the school at full operation to find out more about them and their time at SCAD. I wanted to hear their views on the student body and the overall work environment. What do they think of the students? What can we learn from these dedicated workers, and what have they learned from us?
Ms. Cece has been a barista at the coffee counter at the Hub for six years. She is more than that to many students, though. Ms. Cece is known for her warm greetings and her inviting personality.
How would you describe yourself outside of work?
I am a people person like I am at work. It’s the same baby, the same.
What have you learned about others since working at SCAD?
Different personalities, different cultures, different lifestyles — I love it. As a people person, I just love people. Power to the people!
Doris Cross is a cashier and server in the Hub.
How would you describe yourself outside of work?
Outside of work I am actually an actress. I’m from Chicago, I came here to pursue my acting career and have more opportunities. I got introduced to SCAD through a temp agency. I worked with them and they kept me. I really like working here at SCAD.
What have you learned about others since working at SCAD?
Since I’ve been here, I have really bonded with a lot of the students. You guys have great personalities and are so talented. You can spot the talent in others — that “it” thing. A lot of them have it.
Sarah Cruz is a cataloging librarian who enjoys being outdoors.
What’s a regular work day like for you?
I work behind the scenes in the library. My job is to make sure the library gets all the books that it needs and that they’re findable on the shelves.
How would you describe yourself outside of work?
Outside of work I love to explore and go outdoors. I love seeing what’s what in Atlanta —music, talking to people, being out and about. Even though i’m introverted at work, I think outside I like to meet new people and try to be as outgoing as I can.
Catherine Manci is a research and instruction librarian that has been with SCAD for over a year and a half. Like many SCAD faculty members, she doesn’t have regular days.
What’s a regular work day like for you?
I don’t really have regular days because I have classroom instruction. At the beginning of the quarter, I usually come in and work at the desk for a little bit, then I’ll prepare and go teach for an hour. After teaching a couple of classes, I’ll occasionally do workshops and one-on-one research consultations. My days are really irregular.
How would you describe yourself outside of work?
Outgoing, really active and involved in the community.
Amanda Hudson is an adventurous security guard stationed at Spring House.
What have you learned about others since working at SCAD?
I learned that people are very kind hearted and loving, especially the kids that go to this school. You know they’re very outgoing, that’s what draws me to the people.
How would you describe yourself outside of work?
I’m very outgoing, energetic and very adventurous. I like to rollerblade, I do long distance running and I also bungee jump — stuff like that.
Preston McNeil is one of the sous chefs behind our favorite meals at the Hub.
What’s a regular work day like for you?
I assist in ordering the food and creating the menus, monitor the daily labor, making sure the kitchen is clean on a daily basis and managing the chef every day.
What have you learned about others since working at SCAD?
I’ve learned a lot from the students, getting their input on recipes, talking to them and seeing what they like. Especially when they come from other countries, I’ve learned a lot about different foods.
How would you describe yourself outside of work?
Outside of work I’m pretty laid back. I don’t really do too much. I like to cook a little, go out to eat a lot, watch sports and hang out with my wife.
Melissa White works at the deli and considers herself a “deli mom.”
What’s a regular work day like for you?
It’s funny, hectic, interesting and I think I consider myself a “deli-mom.” Everyone comes to the deli and talks to me.
What have you learned about others since working at SCAD?
I learned that you have to be extremely patient with some people. Some are easy to talk to, others are not.
How would you describe yourself outside of work?
As a homebody. Give me a good book, some good tunes and I’m good.
Mike Varin is the longest-serving staff member I got to the pleasure to speak to, having worked at SCAD for 11 years.
What’s a regular work day like for you?
Every day is pretty different. I don’t really have a fixed schedule. I spend a lot of time working on projects like replacing books that are popular but kind of worn out — you know, purchasing new copies. I manage student accounts, I work with students who have crazy late fees — dropped a book in the tub, that kind of stuff.
How would you describe yourself outside of work?
I tend to keep to myself. I have a very small, very tight group of friends. Most of my time is spent with my wife and kids. I live at the pool, so I live for summers. Definitely a dad life, it’s all about Little League and Cub Scouts. There’s never a down moment, that’s for sure.
Deborah Davis Jones is a shuttle bus driver with a passion for motivational speaking.
How would you describe yourself outside of work?
Well I’m a woman of faith No. 1. I love people, I’m a people person and I’m a motivational speaker. I try my best to put my game face on at all times.
During the interviews, I couldn’t help but notice how the faculty spoke about the students. So many speak about how the individuality of the students inspire them in their own lives. I found it to be such a positive takeaway, that the boldness of SCAD students could help others find their own boldness.
Over the course of two weeks, I realized something that some SCAD students may take for granted — the power of diversity and individuality. I noticed the faculty at SCAD had nothing but positive things to say about the student body in their own ways. I also learned about how each profession sees different sides of the student body, and they know more about us than we think. Whether they prefer social gatherings, outdoor adventures or just staying at home, the staff at SCAD are just as diverse as we are.
