To highlight our diverse operation and the various jobs employees do. We will spotlight team members from across the division on a monthly basis and feature them here.
This Month's Employee Spotlight
What is your preferred name? Emily Johnson
What is your current title? Payroll Tax Specialist
How many years of service at ODU and in Division of Administration and Finance? 5 years
How would you summarize your job in one sentence? I work within a team to ensure employees are properly compensated for their work.
What is your favorite thing about working at Old Dominion University? My favorite thing about working at ODU are the relationships I've made over the years and the diversity of the students and employees.
What is one thing on your bucket list? One thing on my bucket list is to go on a hot air balloon ride.
What do you do for fun? Something I do for fun is explore new places with my family.
What would you describe as the most important personal attributes or strengths that you bring to your job? I strive to be a knowledgeable employee, so being proactive and self-motivated are my most important attributes.
What advice would you offer to other employees at Old Dominion University? The advice I would offer to other employees is to always be willing to learn and set personal and professional goals.
Previous Spotlights
Frances Banks
Frances Banks has given more than 36 years of service to ODU. Recently she stepped up to serve as an Acting C Supervisor overseeing 10 buildings and 25 employees. Frances taking on more is an example of how much her heart goes into the work she does. Her energy shines so brightly each time she expresses how much she really loves what she does and takes pride in her work. As a member of the Housekeeping Staff Recognition Committee Frances provides insight on ways to feel employees valued so they want to come to work and do well.
Frances is personable and always has the brightest smile no matter how her day is. Her advice to new employees would be to make sure your heart is in your work. She stresses that you must love what you do if you want to successfully work for 33 years and be happy doing it.
We are happy to have Frances as a part of our division and thank her for her service, dedication, and contagious positive outlook. Congratulation to Frances as our August Employee Spotlight.
Shannon Randol
What is your preferred name? Shannon Randol.
What is your current title? Web Content & Media Specialist.
How many years of service at ODU and in the Division of Administration and Finance? It will be three years in January.
How would you summarize your job in one sentence? I design university websites and maintain an online identity for the supported departments.
What is your favorite thing about working at Old Dominion University? My team. They're a great bunch of people who all bring their secret sauce to the table and work hard. The workday is infinitely better with them in it. Shoutout to WSP! <3
What is one thing on your bucket list? I haven't had an opportunity to travel abroad yet, so there are many places I want to see. The dream would be to figure out how to spend a year bopping from one city to the next.
What do you do for fun? My nose is usually stuck in a book. Please feel free to send me your best book recommendations. I love adding to my neverending books-to-read list. If I'm not reading I'm cooking. I love taste-testing new recipes. When I'm not doing either of those things I'm up in the air. I train in aerial silks and sling.
What would you describe as the most important personal attribute or strengths that you bring to your job? I'm solution-orientated and able to stay focused on the task at hand no matter the storm.
What advice would you offer to other employees at Old Dominion University? Figure out what your superpower is and lean into it. I'm a firm believer we all have a knack for something (anything!) that we excel at (and enjoy excelling at) without really trying. Once you recognize what you instinctively bring, run with it.
Dwayne Young
What is your preferred name? Dwayne Young
What is your current title? Procurement Manager for Construction and Architect/Engineering Services
How many years of service at ODU and in Division of Administration and Finance ? I have served a total of 38 years. Four years as a student worker and 34 years as a Classified employee. I worked all my years within the Division of Administration and Finance.
How would you summarize your job in one sentence? I help shape the face of the campus by purchasing architectural and engineering designs for new and renovated buildings, as well as the construction services that physically build or renovate those facilities.
What is your favorite thing about working at Old Dominion University? Being able to work where I attended school. It is very rewarding to be a small part of the University’s evolution over roughly four decades and seeing how much it has changed since I first started roaming the halls.
What is one thing on your bucket list? I have a 5-gallon bucket: New England Fall Foliage Cruise; train tour of the United States; seeing the wild Mustangs roaming the west; the Louvre in Paris ……..
What do you do for fun? I love history and collecting old things, so I enjoy going to historical sites, museums, antique stores, flea markets, etc., as well as traveling, hiking in the mountains, and doing things with friends and family.
What would you describe as the most important personal attributes or strengths that you bring to your job? I believe in the Golden Rule, so I try to treat others as I would like for them to treat me. I am also dependable, dedicated, trustworthy.
What advice would you offer to other employees at Old Dominion University? Remember that everything we do at the University is for the benefit of our students, and if it wasn’t for them, there would be no need for us. And that everything you do while here, is a direct reflection on the University. Go Blue!
Randy Little
What is your preferred name? Randy Little
What is your current title? Housekeeping Worker
How many years of service at ODU and in Division of Administration and Finance? I have worked in my current position since 2015. I also worked with the Grounds Department for a year from 1992 to 1994.
How would you summarize your job in one sentence? I take pride in maintaining a high level of cleanliness and customer service for all the buildings I support. I also pitch in to cover other areas outside of housekeeping because my broad experience is used throughout the Facilities Management department.
What is your favorite thing about working at Old Dominion University? I love my job because I like working with people. The employees in my assigned buildings are special to me.
What is one thing on your bucket list? I want to build a homeless shelter from the ground up. If I owned enough land, I would build houses for all homeless people I come across to live in.
What do you do for fun? I play pool and basketball when I have time.
What would you describe as the most important personal attributes or strengths that you bring to your job? I am relied on daily. I report to work and perform my job sufficiently when I’m there. Also, people say my warm smile and personality is important too.
What advice would you offer to other employees at Old Dominion University? I would advise employees to come to work. Being present is important. If we all came to work and worked as a team, we would not have to work as hard as we do.
Linda Baker
What is your preferred name? Linda or Mrs. B
What is your current title? Executive Secretary Senior
How many years of service at Old Dominion University and in the Division of Administration and Finance? My employment in Military Science and Leadership (Army ROTC) started in January 1980. It has been 43 years and 11 months.
How would you summarize your job in one sentence? My co-workers consider me to be the "Heart of the Monarch Battalion" - the glue that coordinates/facilitates the management of the office and its 150+ Cadets to successful commissioning of future United States Army officers from Old Dominion University.
What is your favorite thing about working at Old Dominion University? My favorite thing about working at Old Dominion University is the respect and value that I receive as a dedicated and committed employee/representative of the University. I feel instrumental in the development of academic and personal life matters of young people/Cadets to be the best version of themselves.
What is one thing on your bucket list? I have an earned master's degree in communications from Norfolk State University and I aspire to someday be the recipient of an Honorary Certificate from Old Dominion University with a minor in Military Science and Leadership to compliment my 43+ years of service directly to ARMY ROTC.
What do you do for fun? I love to sing and dance when only God is watching! AMEN!
What would you describe as the most important personal attributes or strengths that you bring to your job? Important personal attributes that I possess include being personable - I work well with others; I love speaking words of encouragement and motivation; I encourage maintaining peace and harmony. I am a student of the profession----staying up to date on policies, rules, and regulations for compliance.
What advice would you offer to other employees at Old Dominion University? My advice to other employees is to love your job, always be willing to go the extra mile whenever and wherever you are needed to support the mission of Old Dominion University and your division. Stay positively focused and always give your best service.
Urjita Dani
What is your preferred name?
Urjita Dani
What is your current title?
Assistant Director Finance, HR and Ecommerce Systems
How many years of service at ODU and in Division of Administration and Finance?
18 years
How would you summarize your job in one sentence?
I am an ODU Alumni and having worked with ODU since 2005, take pride in working closely with the Office of Finance, HR, Payroll, ISSS, Continuing Education, Procurement and other departments to provide IT support for ODU's ERP, E-commerce system and Student Information System and supporting core university services.
What is your favorite thing about working at Old Dominion University?
The staff and faculty at ODU are very respectful and they portray the same when working with and helping students.
What is one thing on your bucket list?
Travel the world.
What do you do for fun?
I like to make artwork and cook.
What would you describe as the most important personal attributes or strengths that you bring to your job?
Positive approach and can-do attitude.
What advice would you offer to other employees at Old Dominion University?
Teamwork and collaborate with stakeholders across all departments to solve problems and develop and design new solutions.
Jerry Reed
What is your preferred name?
Jerry Reed
What is your current title?
Emergency Planner
How many years of service at ODU and in Division of Administration and Finance?
5 years
How would you summarize your job in one sentence?
I assist our ODU community in assessing risks and developing plans such as Emergency Action Plans, Continuity of Operations Plans, and Event Action Plans; as well as performing as safety officer for special events and football games.
What is your favorite thing about working at Old Dominion University?
The community I work with and for. Everyone has a can-do attitude.
What is one thing on your bucket list?
I love nature and animals, so the top of my bucket list is an African safari.
What do you do for fun?
Spending time with my family and friends, traveling, boating, and walking my silver lab Fred.
What would you describe as the most important personal attributes or strengths that you bring to your job?
My previous experience in the fire service has better prepared me to help identify and assess the risks necessary to mitigate emergencies and help make our campus safer. I also hope I am seen as caring.
What advice would you offer to other employees at Old Dominion University?
Life is short so live it to the fullest and tell those around you that you love them while you still have the opportunity.
Erin Abrams
What is your preferred name? Erin Abrams
What is your current title? Budget Analyst
How many years of service at ODU and in Division of Administration and Finance? 2 years
How would you summarize your job in one sentence? I provide support to the annual budget development process, work closely with various department heads/BUDS across campus, to ensure their budget management needs are met. I prepare and analyze budget reports and assist with monitoring department spending and to identify and problem-solving possible financial needs as they arise.
What is your favorite thing about working at Old Dominion University? The ODU pride and teamwork that is shared across campus is top-notch. Everybody is always respectful and helpful.
What is one thing on your bucket list? Skydiving and traveling to Italy.
What do you do for fun? Spending time with family and friends. I’m a mom with two small kids, and they are my everything! Their fun has now become my fun.
What would you describe as the most important personal attributes or strengths that you bring to your job? The most important attribute that I bring to the job is my ability to be flexible and adapt easily. Every day is different and brings something new. You must be able to adapt to changing environments to perform well and succeed in your job.
What advice would you offer to other employees at Old Dominion University? The advice I would offer other employees is to always show up and maintain a positive attitude, always put your best foot forward ,and stay focus on the University’s mission and core values.
Tommy Evans Jr.
What is your preferred name? Tommy Evans Jr.
What is your current title? Community Engagement Officer
How many years of service at ODU and in Division of Administration and Finance? 19 years
How would you summarize your job in one sentence? My job is to provide customer service at the highest level.
What is your favorite thing about working at Old Dominion University? My favorite thing about working at Old Dominion University is the diversity and family atmosphere.
What is one thing on your bucket list? I want to travel to the moon and back.
What do you do for fun? I like to watch the latest and greatest high octane action movies and spend time watching them with my inner circle of friends and family. I’m known as the Movie King.
What would you describe as the most important personal attributes or strengths that you bring to your job? Professionalism, positivity, strong work ethic, and love of people.
What advice would you offer to other employees at Old Dominion University? Always stay focused, stay positive, and most importantly stay prayerful.
Frances Banks
Frances Banks has given more than 36 years of service to ODU. Recently she stepped up to serve as an Acting C Supervisor overseeing 10 buildings and 25 employees. Frances taking on more is an example of how much her heart goes into the work she does. Her energy shines so brightly each time she expresses how much she really loves what she does and takes pride in her work. As a member of the Housekeeping Staff Recognition Committee Frances provides insight on ways to feel employees valued so they want to come to work and do well.
Frances is personable and always has the brightest smile no matter how her day is. Her advice to new employees would be to make sure your heart is in your work. She stresses that you must love what you do if you want to successfully work for 33 years and be happy doing it.
We are happy to have Frances as a part of our division and thank her for her service, dedication, and contagious positive outlook. Congratulation to Frances as our August Employee Spotlight.
Shannon Randol
What is your preferred name? Shannon Randol.
What is your current title? Web Content & Media Specialist.
How many years of service at ODU and in the Division of Administration and Finance? It will be three years in January.
How would you summarize your job in one sentence? I design university websites and maintain an online identity for the supported departments.
What is your favorite thing about working at Old Dominion University? My team. They're a great bunch of people who all bring their secret sauce to the table and work hard. The workday is infinitely better with them in it. Shoutout to WSP! <3
What is one thing on your bucket list? I haven't had an opportunity to travel abroad yet, so there are many places I want to see. The dream would be to figure out how to spend a year bopping from one city to the next.
What do you do for fun? My nose is usually stuck in a book. Please feel free to send me your best book recommendations. I love adding to my neverending books-to-read list. If I'm not reading I'm cooking. I love taste-testing new recipes. When I'm not doing either of those things I'm up in the air. I train in aerial silks and sling.
What would you describe as the most important personal attribute or strengths that you bring to your job? I'm solution-orientated and able to stay focused on the task at hand no matter the storm.
What advice would you offer to other employees at Old Dominion University? Figure out what your superpower is and lean into it. I'm a firm believer we all have a knack for something (anything!) that we excel at (and enjoy excelling at) without really trying. Once you recognize what you instinctively bring, run with it.
Dwayne Young
What is your preferred name? Dwayne Young
What is your current title? Procurement Manager for Construction and Architect/Engineering Services
How many years of service at ODU and in Division of Administration and Finance ? I have served a total of 38 years. Four years as a student worker and 34 years as a Classified employee. I worked all my years within the Division of Administration and Finance.
How would you summarize your job in one sentence? I help shape the face of the campus by purchasing architectural and engineering designs for new and renovated buildings, as well as the construction services that physically build or renovate those facilities.
What is your favorite thing about working at Old Dominion University? Being able to work where I attended school. It is very rewarding to be a small part of the University’s evolution over roughly four decades and seeing how much it has changed since I first started roaming the halls.
What is one thing on your bucket list? I have a 5-gallon bucket: New England Fall Foliage Cruise; train tour of the United States; seeing the wild Mustangs roaming the west; the Louvre in Paris ……..
What do you do for fun? I love history and collecting old things, so I enjoy going to historical sites, museums, antique stores, flea markets, etc., as well as traveling, hiking in the mountains, and doing things with friends and family.
What would you describe as the most important personal attributes or strengths that you bring to your job? I believe in the Golden Rule, so I try to treat others as I would like for them to treat me. I am also dependable, dedicated, trustworthy.
What advice would you offer to other employees at Old Dominion University? Remember that everything we do at the University is for the benefit of our students, and if it wasn’t for them, there would be no need for us. And that everything you do while here, is a direct reflection on the University. Go Blue!
Randy Little
What is your preferred name? Randy Little
What is your current title? Housekeeping Worker
How many years of service at ODU and in Division of Administration and Finance? I have worked in my current position since 2015. I also worked with the Grounds Department for a year from 1992 to 1994.
How would you summarize your job in one sentence? I take pride in maintaining a high level of cleanliness and customer service for all the buildings I support. I also pitch in to cover other areas outside of housekeeping because my broad experience is used throughout the Facilities Management department.
What is your favorite thing about working at Old Dominion University? I love my job because I like working with people. The employees in my assigned buildings are special to me.
What is one thing on your bucket list? I want to build a homeless shelter from the ground up. If I owned enough land, I would build houses for all homeless people I come across to live in.
What do you do for fun? I play pool and basketball when I have time.
What would you describe as the most important personal attributes or strengths that you bring to your job? I am relied on daily. I report to work and perform my job sufficiently when I’m there. Also, people say my warm smile and personality is important too.
What advice would you offer to other employees at Old Dominion University? I would advise employees to come to work. Being present is important. If we all came to work and worked as a team, we would not have to work as hard as we do.
Linda Baker
What is your preferred name? Linda or Mrs. B
What is your current title? Executive Secretary Senior
How many years of service at Old Dominion University and in the Division of Administration and Finance? My employment in Military Science and Leadership (Army ROTC) started in January 1980. It has been 43 years and 11 months.
How would you summarize your job in one sentence? My co-workers consider me to be the "Heart of the Monarch Battalion" - the glue that coordinates/facilitates the management of the office and its 150+ Cadets to successful commissioning of future United States Army officers from Old Dominion University.
What is your favorite thing about working at Old Dominion University? My favorite thing about working at Old Dominion University is the respect and value that I receive as a dedicated and committed employee/representative of the University. I feel instrumental in the development of academic and personal life matters of young people/Cadets to be the best version of themselves.
What is one thing on your bucket list? I have an earned master's degree in communications from Norfolk State University and I aspire to someday be the recipient of an Honorary Certificate from Old Dominion University with a minor in Military Science and Leadership to compliment my 43+ years of service directly to ARMY ROTC.
What do you do for fun? I love to sing and dance when only God is watching! AMEN!
What would you describe as the most important personal attributes or strengths that you bring to your job? Important personal attributes that I possess include being personable - I work well with others; I love speaking words of encouragement and motivation; I encourage maintaining peace and harmony. I am a student of the profession----staying up to date on policies, rules, and regulations for compliance.
What advice would you offer to other employees at Old Dominion University? My advice to other employees is to love your job, always be willing to go the extra mile whenever and wherever you are needed to support the mission of Old Dominion University and your division. Stay positively focused and always give your best service.
Urjita Dani
What is your preferred name?
Urjita Dani
What is your current title?
Assistant Director Finance, HR and Ecommerce Systems
How many years of service at ODU and in Division of Administration and Finance?
18 years
How would you summarize your job in one sentence?
I am an ODU Alumni and having worked with ODU since 2005, take pride in working closely with the Office of Finance, HR, Payroll, ISSS, Continuing Education, Procurement and other departments to provide IT support for ODU's ERP, E-commerce system and Student Information System and supporting core university services.
What is your favorite thing about working at Old Dominion University?
The staff and faculty at ODU are very respectful and they portray the same when working with and helping students.
What is one thing on your bucket list?
Travel the world.
What do you do for fun?
I like to make artwork and cook.
What would you describe as the most important personal attributes or strengths that you bring to your job?
Positive approach and can-do attitude.
What advice would you offer to other employees at Old Dominion University?
Teamwork and collaborate with stakeholders across all departments to solve problems and develop and design new solutions.
Jerry Reed
What is your preferred name?
Jerry Reed
What is your current title?
Emergency Planner
How many years of service at ODU and in Division of Administration and Finance?
5 years
How would you summarize your job in one sentence?
I assist our ODU community in assessing risks and developing plans such as Emergency Action Plans, Continuity of Operations Plans, and Event Action Plans; as well as performing as safety officer for special events and football games.
What is your favorite thing about working at Old Dominion University?
The community I work with and for. Everyone has a can-do attitude.
What is one thing on your bucket list?
I love nature and animals, so the top of my bucket list is an African safari.
What do you do for fun?
Spending time with my family and friends, traveling, boating, and walking my silver lab Fred.
What would you describe as the most important personal attributes or strengths that you bring to your job?
My previous experience in the fire service has better prepared me to help identify and assess the risks necessary to mitigate emergencies and help make our campus safer. I also hope I am seen as caring.
What advice would you offer to other employees at Old Dominion University?
Life is short so live it to the fullest and tell those around you that you love them while you still have the opportunity.
Erin Abrams
What is your preferred name? Erin Abrams
What is your current title? Budget Analyst
How many years of service at ODU and in Division of Administration and Finance? 2 years
How would you summarize your job in one sentence? I provide support to the annual budget development process, work closely with various department heads/BUDS across campus, to ensure their budget management needs are met. I prepare and analyze budget reports and assist with monitoring department spending and to identify and problem-solving possible financial needs as they arise.
What is your favorite thing about working at Old Dominion University? The ODU pride and teamwork that is shared across campus is top-notch. Everybody is always respectful and helpful.
What is one thing on your bucket list? Skydiving and traveling to Italy.
What do you do for fun? Spending time with family and friends. I’m a mom with two small kids, and they are my everything! Their fun has now become my fun.
What would you describe as the most important personal attributes or strengths that you bring to your job? The most important attribute that I bring to the job is my ability to be flexible and adapt easily. Every day is different and brings something new. You must be able to adapt to changing environments to perform well and succeed in your job.
What advice would you offer to other employees at Old Dominion University? The advice I would offer other employees is to always show up and maintain a positive attitude, always put your best foot forward ,and stay focus on the University’s mission and core values.
Tommy Evans Jr.
What is your preferred name? Tommy Evans Jr.
What is your current title? Community Engagement Officer
How many years of service at ODU and in Division of Administration and Finance? 19 years
How would you summarize your job in one sentence? My job is to provide customer service at the highest level.
What is your favorite thing about working at Old Dominion University? My favorite thing about working at Old Dominion University is the diversity and family atmosphere.
What is one thing on your bucket list? I want to travel to the moon and back.
What do you do for fun? I like to watch the latest and greatest high octane action movies and spend time watching them with my inner circle of friends and family. I’m known as the Movie King.
What would you describe as the most important personal attributes or strengths that you bring to your job? Professionalism, positivity, strong work ethic, and love of people.
What advice would you offer to other employees at Old Dominion University? Always stay focused, stay positive, and most importantly stay prayerful.