Laura Gribben first began working at Fresno State 17 years ago as an administrative support assistant in the English Department after serving in the Marine Corps for 12 years. She still remembers one of her initial interview questions, “Why do you want to start at this level?” and her answer was simple, “Because it gives me room for growth.” In her 17 years on campus, Laura has embodied this mindset as she continually challenges herself to learn something new every day and become the best she can be.

As she thinks back on her career, Laura says programs like the Administrative Academy would have been helpful to her when she started on campus. The Administrative Academy, a nine month cohort style learning community, began three years ago as a result of a shared vision by Nancy Kobata and Angel Langridge for more professional development opportunities for administrative support staff.

Going into its third year, the Administrative Academy focuses on networking and skill building, and covers topics such as the CSU and Fresno State organizational structure, managing change, stress management, work-life balance, managing social media, technology tips and tricks, and more.

For Laura, the value of her experiences went beyond learning new skills such as lean process improvements and the KANBAN strategy: she describes the people she met as her most meaningful takeaway.

“The people is what made the Academy special. I enjoy learning from others, and that was a great thing about the Academy – being able to learn from others. Whatever topic we were discussing, there was always sharing of ideas, and we don’t get a chance to do that a lot.”

She went on to say, “Everyone was authentic and themselves. It reminded me everybody is an individual, and we all have our own insights to how to get our jobs done. The people in the Academy were the ones striving to better themselves. They wanted to do something more than just their “job” and weren’t holding back. It was really special, and I hope to stay involved in the future as an alum.”

Over 100 Fresno State staff have participated in the Administrative Academy, and applications are currently being accepted for cohort 3. If you are wondering if the Administrative Academy is a good fit for you, Laura encourages all staff to keep an open mind and do it.

“If you are at all curious, definitely do it," she said. "You are going to learn so much that you can’t get from your peers in your office because not everyone around you knows what your needs are. When I was new, I know I was lost, and if the Academy would have been available it certainly would have helped make those connections with other people and put faces with names. Whether you just started at Fresno State or have been here 17 years, this is a great opportunity to expand your knowledge, meet new people, and find out more about the university. It’s really more than any orientation can give you.”

For more information about the Administrative Academy and to apply, please visit fresnostate.edu/adminserv/learning/learn/administrative-academy.html. Applications will close September 5.