Eagle Tales: An Administrative Treasure

Nadia Trowers. Graphic by Jaylene Arnold.

I've worked at AU for 17 years. Before that, I worked in retail at the H&M in the defunct White Flint Mall.

My job is similar to a game of Tetris, fitting the moving parts of CFO, vice president, and treasurer Bronté Burleigh-Jones's calendar, projects, and priorities together. I support her and the senior leadership team in the Office of Finance and Treasurer. A typical day is never the same but includes answering calls, touching base with Bronté about any changes to her schedule, and arranging meetings. My office is at 3201 New Mexico Avenue.

My go-to lunch is a bag lunch in my office that always includes a fuji apple and hummus. My go-to drink is peppermint tea at home or cranberry apple tea in the office. My favorite place on campus to steal a quiet moment is the Unity Garden. The Ann Kerwin Garden is also very beautiful. Campus is at its prettiest when the flowers are in full bloom at commencement in the spring.

I am a first-generation college graduate. I studied film and media arts at the School of Communication and later went back for a graduate degree in producing for film. I show my AU spirit by being one of many staff alumni who are involved in making AU better every day. I was hired at AU for my first full-time professional job after graduation, and I am proud to be an Eagle.

I found my community at AU by working in four different areas (Bender Library, Division of Student Affairs, University Communications and Marketing, and Finance and Treasurer), which has expanded my network and allowed me to get to know so many staff and students.

The person who helped show me the ropes is Michele Mikkelsen, retired director of administrative services for Bender Library, who hired me in my first job. Fanta Aw, who I supported in student affairs, also helped me connect the dots across campus. The most famous face I've seen on campus is former Maryland governor Larry Hogan, who was a 2024 Sine Institute of Policy and Politics fellow.

My favorite day of the workweek is Friday-when I work from home in Silver Spring. My work-from-home rituals include working out in the morning during my usual commute time and making a boiled egg with oatmeal and my favorite toppings-cranberries or blueberries and bananas. I do my Zoom meetings from my den.

When I'm not at work, you can find me at First Baptist Church of Glenarden, where I'm the director of our film ministry. I enjoy attending services, classes, and events, and we hold monthly meetings to teach members about film and drama. We're working toward a long-term goal of creating our own films. My hobbies include learning something new in webinars or classes about entrepreneurship, personal branding, and creating an online business. I love Squarespace, so right now I'm also sharpening my web design skills.

The last great book I read wasCelebration of Discipline by Richard Foster. The last great shows I watched were reruns of Law and Order and CSI. The last great meal I ate was the Jamaican dish saltfish and ackee with bammy and fried bread fruit at my grandfather's house.

If I wasn't an executive assistant, I'd be a filmmaker, inspirational speaker, and consultant helping people execute their vision by building an online brand and business. But my job at AU is best because it aligns with my knack for details, planning, and passion for working with people.

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