By: Michael Wayne O’Neill
Sports Editor
WINGATE – A temporary work location change in the Stegall Administration Building didn’t stop the executive offices, Bulldog Central, Business Office, Financial Planning, and Registrar from continuing to serve the student body at Wingate University.
The move happened due to water damage that occurred in the overnight hours of Sept. 1.
“The Sprinkler system malfunctioned in the 3rd-floor mechanical room, next to my office,” communications specialist Kristen Johnson said, “Water flooded the floor of my office and spread to the offices of two of my colleagues across the hall, as well as the Stegall conference room. Offices on the second, first and basement floors of Stegall were also damaged by water.”
They carry the focus of students first at the forefront of their minds.
The Career Services Office suite adjusted to the change by sharing its space with the Business Office employees. Human Resources will also share the space with the career office and Bulldog Central.
“It’s a new space, but it’s a pleasant change,” Business Office payment manager Jill Aldridge said, “They have been very gracious to share their space. … We have everything here that we need, so just like usual.”
Aldridge said the change allows her to see student activity going on as she and Lora Gibson are working. It also creates a chain effect for them to serve students and their needs.
Bulldog Central employee Briana Crowell had a lot of questions in her mind as her team moved to the Marketing Suite in the Dickson-Palmer Building. The move has also been successful, but confusing for students.
To accommodate the students, Bulldog Central assistant director Emily Brown sent a mass email revealing their location.
Bulldog Central and Marketing worked jointly to determine available offices. It also gives them more privacy with students in need. Next week, they will adjust their call center, where their student workers will start taking calls for assistance.
“They haven’t been able to work this week, because we haven’t had a spot for them,” Crowell said, “We’re trying to get our call center back up and running so they can start working on orientation-stuff related outreach for our new spring students coming in.”
Crowell is optimistic about the opportunities it will bring to them during the duration of working at their temporary space. She said they are providing the same services as they were in the Stegall Administration Building.
“It’s the Wingate way that you roll with the punches you’re given,” Crowell said, “You do the best you can, and you adjust. Even if the circumstances aren’t amazing, you adjust to that. You have good friends, good co-workers, good support around you, and students can see that support.”
The Financial Planning’s temporary location is at the Admissions Conference Room at the Dickson-Palmer Building, and the registrar is temporarily remote. Executives predict that the Stegall Administration Building might resume business at the building during the Spring 2024 semester.
“I think the heart of the story is about the people who pull together and work hard to minimize disruptions to campus operations so we can continue providing top-notch, personalized service to our students,” Johnson said.
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