Nearly 10 years have passed since administrative assistant III Breann Wickson was featured as a new face at UNLV. Though she has spent those years working in the Department of Marketing and International Business, her contributions reach far beyond the Lee Business School.
A career at a university was never the plan for Wickson, who earned an associate degree while working full time. It wasn’t until she happened upon a role at the University of California, Santa Barbara, that she felt the spark of higher education. “I really liked being on campus,” says Wickson. “I really liked the energy that it brought.”
Wickson found a similar role at UNLV after moving back to Las Vegas, and she’s been here ever since. In her day to day, Wickson might be doing anything from assisting the Marketing and International Business department chair and academic faculty to paying the department’s bills, inputting the semesterly class schedule, and helping students with internships.
Wickson also serves on multiple committees and task forces to enhance the campus environment, including the Classified Staff and Women’s councils.
Says Wickson, “My favorite part about the job is the people. I feel we all get along really well.”
The sentiment is echoed in Wickson’s nomination letter for the Classified Employee of the Year award. “Her passion for her work is evident in everything she does, from her daily responsibilities to her involvement in various leadership roles across campus," the nomination letter stated. "Her influence extends far beyond her office, as she actively seeks opportunities to contribute to the university’s mission and the well-being of its members.”
How do you feel about being recognized as a Classified Employee of the Year?
I didn’t expect it! I don't really like the spotlight on me, but I'm glad that people see me that way. I'm happy, I'm appreciative, and I'm honored that I got the recognition.
You’re very active in both the Classified Staff Council and the Women’s Council. What advice do you have to get involved on campus?
I was never involved. In high school I played one sport but it wasn’t for long, and in college I was never part of anything because I didn't have the typical college experience. When I started working here, I decided: I'm going to try it. And a whole bunch of other committees and councils later, I've been in it for nine years!
I think a lot of people are held back by the thought that they don’t have the time. Nobody has time, but if there's a will, there's a way. If you really want to be involved, then it will work out. It'll just take that first step.
And, once you get involved in one thing, you start to get involved in other things.
It makes you feel more like you belong when you're part of these groups, you have a say, and you meet people that you normally wouldn't meet if you were to stay in your office and do your day to day.
What are some projects you’re proud to have worked on?
The UNLV Classified Staff Award Luncheon is a big deal for the classified staff on campus. We work with the President's Office, and that's our one time a year to ensure that they are honored, appreciated, and seen. That's something we're always proud to do.
I get happy seeing people who get their milestone award for being here for 30 years — it’s a big deal, and if it weren't for [the luncheon], nobody would know. It’s important to make sure that those big milestones get noticed and recognized.
In the past the Classified Staff Council has organized hygiene kit drives for the unhoused. We ordered supplies, and then we'd create bags with soaps, toothpaste, washcloths, and other small things that we could put in a small bag, and then we would hand them out to people who were unhoused on campus. That was something that was nice and I'd like to see us do again.
Another event that I am proud to help with is Take Your Child to Work Day through the Women’s Council Family Advocacy Task Force. It’s always a fun event to do every year and to see the joy that it brings to the children who attend. After having my son attend, I’m convinced he thinks I eat McDonald’s and get my face painted all day!
Outside of work, what’s something you enjoy in your free time?
I like to go to national parks. I like to do day trips to places like Valley Fire, Zion, or Mount Charleston. I also like to look for nearby places that I haven't been to so I can explore (when it's not hot).
Do you have a quote, phrase, or piece of advice you find especially inspiring?
The phrase: “You do you.”
You do what you feel is right to take care of yourself. That's what I say to a lot of people whenever they're going through a hard time. Nobody else can tell you what is right for you — nobody else can make that decision for you. So, you do you.
Another phrase is, “It is what it is.” Don’t try to change things that are beyond your control.
