Dragon Face in a New Place: Sandie East

Sandie East is MSUM's new Campus Information Officer, in Information technology, where she will be in charge of managing all IT-related aspects of the university.

Sandie previously held the position of Director of Institutional Research and Reporting.

Q: What do you love about MSUM?
A: I love the culture, and the energy on campus. I just love being here because Minnesota State wants to be engaged with the community and there's a positive energy that makes me want to be a part of it.

Q: What is your favorite part about working on a college campus?
A: I think it is a relaxed atmosphere, but we still have an expectation for excellence.

Q: What do you enjoy the most about working in Campus Information?
A: I love the integration with every part of MSUM; it touches everything that everyone does on campus. Whether it's making sure the doors and door swipers work, keeping the website secure, or giving Wi-Fi access to everyone's computer access, we touch everything, and I love that because it means I get to meet so many more new people and learn new things around campus.

Q: What made you want to shift from working in the Institutional Research and Reporting to Campus Information?
A: It was an opportunity; those things don't come around often, so I wanted to embrace it and try something new. And I love leading technical teams; it is what I've done for 15 years.

Q: What's something others may not know about you?
A: I love the outdoors, whether it's kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, biking, wandering through the mountains, just anything that has to do with being outside. The minute I can get out from behind my screen, I am outside.

Q: Where is the best place to get a cup of coffee in the area?
A: I love little mom and pop shops like Third Drop Coffee or Twenty Below when I am sitting down to do work, but if I am on the way to work and need a pick me up, Starbucks is my spot.

Q: If you could only have three apps on your cell phone, what would they be?
A: Google Flights, Google maps, and my photos app.

Welcome to the Dragon Community, Sandie!