Howard Evans knows that first impressions are often indelible. That is why the Dean of the School of Engineering and Technology (SOET) is so appreciative of two of his finest ambassadors.
When people form initial opinions about SOET, those opinions are likely shaped by Kimberly Sievert and Aneta Siekiera. Kimberly serves as Assistant to the Dean. Aneta is Assistant to the Faculty. Together they represent the public face of the School, accounting for a large percentage of external contact.
“Whether arranging events, hosting meetings or answering the phone, we are the ones you’re likely to see first,” says Kimberly. She knows how important it is to greet a student, alumnus or faculty member with a smile and make them feel welcome.
A graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, who majored in Medical Illustration, Kimberly has an eye for detail. She understands the value of sharing information accurately and efficiently, and politely meeting the needs of a broad spectrum of customers, clients and vendors.
Aneta is a native of Poland with a master’s degree in public relations. She is empathetic with the challenges and communications barriers that face SOET’s many international students, or any newcomer for that matter, who has to navigate an unfamiliar campus or catalog.
“We work with some very bright people in fields that are often extremely complex,” she explains. “It is very important that we understand and meet their requests.”
Sometimes in engineering, the technical jargon can be a language unto itself. It often takes a great deal of patience and focus, and a broad knowledge of science and academic procedure to make sure that information is flowing correctly; that procedures are being properly followed; and in the end that everyone is satisfied.
From coding and scheduling to greeting and reassuring, Kimberly and Aneta keep things moving smoothly in SOET, and that makes a huge difference, according to Dean Evans.
“I can’t overemphasize the value those two bring to the School on a daily basis,” he says. “They make this a very pleasant place to teach, to learn, or just to visit.”
