Welcome to the #DragonFamily: Sandie Salisbury

Meet MSUM's new director of Institutional Research and Reporting, Sandie Salisbury. She conducts research and surveys on campus and helps with enrollment.

Q: What drew you to MSUM?
A: I know some people who attended MSUM and always heard about how great it was, so when I saw the job posting, I knew I should take it.

Q: What unique experience or skills from your last job do you bring to MSUM?
A: Bridging the gap between technological and in person. I work with a lot of data and have to be able to explain what it means to people who wouldn’t understand just looking at it. I feel like that might be something not everyone knows how to do.

Q: What is one thing that has surprised you about MSUM?
A:  How quiet it is during the summer. I’m able to sit outside and work, and it’s peaceful and amazing.

Q: What energizes you at work?
A: Being able to see people understand new things. When I’m explaining data to someone and I can see it click, it’s the best.

Q: How do you prefer to start your workday?
A: Coffee. I also like having a slow morning and checking in with people, and then as the morning progresses, I will take on more. It’s important to not do too much right away.

Q: What do you do to turn things around when you’re having a bad day?
A: Go outside. Even for two minutes, going for a short walk, feeling the grass, it will immediately reset me.

Q: Where is your favorite place to eat in Fargo-Moorhead?
A: Thai Orchid; I love the environment and there food. Also, Drunken Noodles; again the food is so good.

Q: What is your favorite app and why?
A: Honestly, my traveling apps. I love to travel so I like checking flights and tracking how many countries I’ve been to. I love being able to fill in my online map with traveling.

Q: What are we most likely to find you doing on the weekend?
A: Hiking, paddle-boarding, kayaking, walking my dog, anything outside.

Q: Are you a dog person or a cat person (or neither)? Why?
A: Dog. I love their companionship and the relationship you can build with them. I take mine out on my kayak with me and they love it.

Welcome to the #DragonFamily, Sandie!