Get To Know Your Advisor: Derek Pooley

Derek Pooley

Get to know your advisor!

Name: Derek K. Pooley    

Job Title: Assistant Director, Student Success

Office: Link 125

Hometown: Brewerton, NY

What is your favorite part of student advising?

I absolutely love watching students grow. Sometimes as an advisor, I see students at an all-time low and having the opportunity to work through that with them. To watch them morph and grow with time, is simply amazing! Seeing students who told me “It’ll never happen” graduate truly makes all the bad days go away.

What is your favorite spot on campus?

My favorite spot on campus is Link 4th floor.  I love looking over the quad while watching students mix and mingle with friends. It’s a great reality check and a great place to find peace. Going up there and eating my lunch truly makes a day better.

What is your best piece of advice for students?

ASK QUESTIONS! It’s only natural to not know or how to do something.  The only way to learn and grow is to ask.  It’s important to never tell yourself no!  I hear all the time, “they probably are too busy” or “they probably will say no”!  Don’t do that!  You never know until you ask!  Always ask!

Fun fact you might not know about me:

I have a huge love for Marching Band and Colorguard.  I am the Director of the Winterguard program and am the Marching Band Visual Coordinator at Liverpool Highschool. I have been teaching for almost 12 years and truly enjoy every second. This is a great place for my creativity to be used.