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Q&A: UT Tyler Becomes Second Home for Blundell

BlundellUT Tyler alumna and staff member Sydni Blundell received the University’s 2020 Passion Award, which was established by the University Staff Advisory Council and recognizes outstanding staff contributions to student success. In the following question and answer segment, learn more about Blundell and why she enjoys working at her alma mater.

In her current “catch-all” role as CEP’s special assistant to the dean, Blundell helps the college succeed in whatever ways she can. She is no stranger to the college or UT Tyler, having earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University in fall 2015.

Dr. Wes Hickey, college dean, describes Blundell as an “intelligent and exceptional person.”

“Sydni is always willing to use her intelligence, creativity and organizational skills to improve the college,” said Hickey, who nominated Blundell for the award. “In areas where we need to create efficiencies, her involvement always improves things. Her depth of understanding of processes provides insight into ways in which to do things better. She is also able to use her networks to provide data both within and outside the college.”

Why do you enjoy working at UT Tyler?

I enjoy working at UT Tyler because it’s a dynamic environment and there are constantly new ideas, people, initiatives, challenges and successes. One thing that I thrive on is looking at a situation and finding out ways that we can improve – at UT Tyler, it’s like almost everyone is thriving on the same goal and we can work together to achieve so much. In addition to working collaboratively, I find that UT Tyler employees have a genuineness that is hard to come by. I’m a pretty straightforward type of person, so I appreciate authenticity in those around me.

What does earning the Passion Award mean to you?

It means that the passion I have for UT Tyler is apparent through my actions, as I have always hoped that they were. It means that there are others that are just as passionate and that we are working towards a shared goal – making UT Tyler and its faculty, staff, students, visitors, the best they can be, in whatever manner that may be.

What do you like best about the department and CEP?

I’ve worked in several areas across campus at various levels – both as a UT Tyler student and full-time employee, and while I’ve loved them all for different reasons, I feel like I “fit” best in the College of Education and Psychology. The faculty and staff are truly my second family, and work is a “home away from home” – I actually miss them when I’m not in the office! There is a culture of compassion for others that is overwhelmingly consistent across the college, and I think that speaks volumes as to the character of my coworkers. I am thankful and honored that I get to be part of this group.

What other organizations are you involved with, and why help and give back in this way?

At UT Tyler, I am a member of the University Staff Advisory Council (USAC) and have the privilege of serving as chair this year. I am the faculty/staff advisor for the Kappa Mu chapter of Alpha Chi Omega sorority. Prior to fall 2019, I was the chapter advisor for the Kappa Mu chapter of Alpha Chi Omega sorority.

I help and give back in these ways because they’re important to me. For USAC, seeing staff work together to excel the University is the heart of what staff do, even if it’s not always apparent, and I want to help showcase what amazing people the staff are. Alpha Chi Omega is a group of young women who are figuring out themselves and the world during very formative years of their lives. It’s important to me that they see and know strong women who care about, encourage and succeed with them.

What are your hobbies/interests?

My hobbies and interests at this point are whatever my kids are interested in! Partly joking – I also really enjoy personal and professional development books and have been trying to get into podcasts, but I’m not quite there on that one yet.

What advice would you have for UT Tyler students?

Take advantage of this wonderful time where you can figure yourself out and try new things. If I had stayed the same person and only said “yes” to the same opportunities that I did in high school, I wouldn’t have developed into the person that I am now. That would be a mistake – I am so thankful for all of the “yesses” I said and connections I’ve made along the way!

Anything else you'd like to add?

A final thought is that I am so grateful for Dean Wes Hickey. He has a quiet personality that lends himself to really listen to others. He noticed some areas where I wanted, and probably needed, to excel in my professional career and he has always encouraged me to do so. I have had the pleasure of having amazing mentors in my life, and Wes is no exception. I thank him for nominating me for the Passion Award and for always supporting those around him, and most specifically, me.

 

The Marshall, Texas, native and her husband, Rusty, are the proud parents of two boys, ages 2 and 3, with a girl on the way.

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