A day in the life of Bev Strobl can be easily described with one word: Juggle—with a capital “J.” As the Executive Assistant to the Senior Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs (SVCAA) for the past 9 years, Bev manages the workload and schedule for one of the campus’ most influential and sought-after leaders.
The amount of activity that Bev coordinates is staggering. Just imagine: over 2000 high-level conferences, seminars, special events, and meetings a year. Add to that: on average, Bev reschedules six other meetings in order to fit in another meeting. Then, take into account that Bev also researches and prepares the back-up materials for these meetings and coordinates the domestic and international travel involved with these activities too. It’s a whirlwind of tactful calls, skillful emails, and keen interpersonal communication that gets the job done. Correction: well-done and served with a smile.
As the Executive Assistant, Bev also enjoys serving as a key liaison between the SVCAA and the Chancellor, Vice Chancellors, Deans, Provosts, Chairs, faculty, community organizations, Regents, Office of the President, and other campuses and members of the SVCAA staff. Looking at the “big picture,” the work that Bev coordinates with these professional leaders fosters the growth and long-lasting health of the University.
The key support role that Bev plays as the Executive Assistant to the SVCAA is a match for her organizational talents and her satisfaction in “working behind the scenes, rather than being in the limelight.” Bev’s parents instilled in her the “sense of strong work ethic and doing a good job no matter what the task might be.” Afterall, she advises, “Enjoy what you are doing. If you don’t, find another line of work.” And, for Bev, it’s a situation that she says “works well for me.”
Bev’s 20+ years in the field of administrative support is a testament to the fact that she feels rewarded by the profession she’s chosen. It can be like a miniature White House with the massive number of priorities, schedules, meetings, and visitors that call for the attention of the SVCAA; however, with Bev’s reliable brand of patience, perseverance, and professionalism, good order and good organization prevail.
For more information about Bev, ask her questions at the December 17th career information panel.
In the meantime, here are some more fun facts:
#1 On a Saturday, you’ll most like find Bev tending to her garden
#2 Work philosophy: “Be organized and never procrastinate!”
#3 Bev is the middle child in a family with one older sister and one younger brother
#4 Bev's first entry-level job in the administrative support was as the Assistant to the Director of Personnel at SDSU Foundation
#5 Before she came to the Office of the SVCAA, Bev was the Executive Assistant to Dr. David Schanzlin at the UCSD Shiley Eye Center
