Leadership Spotlight: Carrie Cox, Senior Director for Auxiliary Services

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to a leadership role?

• Do the job you have right now to the very best of your ability. Be reliable in all you do. Be someone your team and your supervisor can count on.
• Look for opportunities to raise your hand for new projects and professional development opportunities.
• Talk to your supervisor or a trusted mentor and tell them you are interested. Make it known!
• Read, listen to podcasts or TED Talks about leadership.
• Lead where you are. You don’t need a title or an official position to be a leader. Start by leading by setting a positive example!

How do you stay motivated and inspired in your role?

I work with amazing people, from our VP to each and every member of ABS. I come to work excited, motivated, and inspired each day because of the people I have the privilege to work with. There are many challenges that our areas face each and every day, and there are frustrating times, especially when misinformation or misconceptions put one of our teams in a bad light. . . but I love coming to work because I know I get to work with teams who care about what they do, who work hard each day to solve problems and serve our university!

Let me say it again, I work with amazing people. 😊

What are your hobbies or interests outside of work?

I love sports. All kinds. Just bring up a recent game or team, I can be easily distracted! I used to play many sports, but I’m mostly a fan now. My best recent sporting event was going to see my favorite team, the Baltimore Orioles, with my daughter and seeing our first grand slam.

To stay active, I like to walk or hike, any reason to be outside.

How do you engage with the university community and ensure their needs are met?

University governance is a key way for constituent groups across campus to take part in making Virginia Tech thrive. Connecting with, listening to, and sharing information with the various Senates, Committees, and stakeholders are important ways that we can engage with and strive to meet the needs of all of our customers. Whether glowing or not, I truly want to hear what the wider Virginia Tech community thinks and feels about our services. Perceptions are reality and engaging with these groups allows us to learn where we have areas we can improve, but it also gives us an opportunity to hopefully correct any misinformation by being transparent about how and why we do business the way we do.