Peggy Robinson, director of the Center for Professional Development and certifying officer of the School Social Worker and HSV certificate programs, celebrates 20 years at the College this year. In this Staff Spotlight, Robinson discusses her career path at Bryn Mawr and beyond and the significant milestones she has witnessed during her tenure.
Were you always in the position/department you are in now? If not, can you talk about your path to get here?
I started at the Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research (GSSWSR) in November 2001. My initial role was office support for multiple offices: Alumnae/i with Doug Hasbrouck; Dean’s Office with then Dean Marcia Martin and Diane Craw; and Center for Child and Family Well-being with then Professor Janet Shapiro. The position evolved depending on the varied needs of the GSSWSR. For example, when I started, the College had just transitioned to the PeopleSoft data records system (now known as Bionic). With an informal background in technology and interest in the integration and expansion of systems to create operation efficiencies, I was asked to take on the role of superuser/technology and communications specialist. It was exciting to learn a new system, solve problems, and assist colleagues in their work. Although technology is second nature to us all in our work today, this new data management system posed significant challenges for many.
Within a few years, staff changes altered my path and led me to GSSWSR’s admission and field education offices as program coordinator. In this role, I had many more opportunities to explore the use of technology and implement more efficient business processes.
In 2015, I stepped away from Bryn Mawr to pursue a career as a business systems analyst at another university. As luck would have it, though, GSSWSR was not done with me, or should I say my calling was to return to GSSWSR as the director of the Center for Professional Development. Not to sound too gooey, but it did feel like a homecoming to return to GSSWSR.
Do you have any accomplishments that you are particularly proud of?
Of all the responsibilities and many accomplishments of the past twenty years, I am most proud of helping folks wherever they are on their education/career journey. I fervently believe in servant leadership and have witnessed the impact of empowering students, employees, and faculty and how it creates an atmosphere of sincere collaboration.
I fervently believe in servant leadership and have witnessed the impact of empowering students, employees, and faculty and how it creates an atmosphere of sincere collaboration.
Was there anyone you worked with who inspired or mentored you?
A retired colleague, Diane Craw, was a huge proponent for empowering her staff and encouraged me (honestly, it didn’t take much to persuade me) to learn the various technologies that go into running a college. For today’s younger employees, the technology component might not seem like a big deal. But, back in the early 2000s, many folks were still functioning with little to no knowledge of software and were stressed and challenged by the ways in which burgeoning technology was swiftly changing the education landscape.
What are some of the significant milestones or changes you've witnessed during your tenure?
With technology came significant changes to business processes, and perhaps the one that resonates with me the most is witnessing how we moved from a paper-laden office to a paperless one!
My tenure thus far has witnessed many personnel changes, the unfortunate passing of colleagues, transitioning between four Deans, facility upgrades, and emergency repairs (the GSSWSR building has frequently been on the receiving end of Mother Nature’s powerful storms). Much like our personal lives, our professional lives are constantly changing, and some days, that brings with it the whole gamut of emotions. It has been a comfort to know that the Bryn Mawr College GSSWSR community is there to support me through the good and the challenging times.
Can you share a favorite BMC memory from your time working here so far?
Some of my favorite BMC memories are the moments of connection with colleagues. Whether it was someone needing an ear, help with technology, or stopping to say hello, relationships and connections are what I treasure.
Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for staff new to the College?
I would encourage new staff to look for ways to add value. Embrace change as best you can and try to see the positive in the challenges that come your way. If you want to stand out and feel connected to the BMC Community, support your fellow colleagues both professionally and personally. Hopefully, you will be fortunate like I have been to get the support and training that enabled me to add value to GSSWSR.
What are your interests outside of work? What's something that most people at the College wouldn't know about you?
In my spare time, I love to garden. It plays a critical role in keeping me healthy physically and mentally. My husband and I also enjoy traveling with my twin brother and his wife. This year’s adventure will take us to Switzerland!
A fun fact most folks at the College are unaware of is that I once owned and managed an Ace Hardware store in Wayne, Pa. Prior to that, I worked in a small printing and graphic design business, which I credit for laying the groundwork for different ways that I could add value. A few years after starting at GSSWSR, I was missing the creative component of marketing and communications. I shared this with Dean Marcia Martin, who welcomed this skill set and involved me in the school’s website maintenance and the school's many marketing/communication needs.
As part of our effort to build community, College Communications regularly highlights College staff members. If there's someone you think we should feature, please let us know at news@brynmawr.edu.