Timothy Pate

If you follow me on social media (or, say, you know me in real life), you’ve heard my latest personal news: on Monday, November 13, I started a new position as Marketing Manager for the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business. After nearly three years at Mall of America, I decided to make a change and feel very fortunate to have joined the UST team.

Leaving Mall of America wasn’t easy. In that position, I was surrounded by some incredible colleagues—many of whom are now incredible friends. Hell, one of them married my wife and me. I made friendships that I know will last long after my desk has been repurposed, but I’ll miss seeing those folks on a daily basis.

Now at UST I face an exciting new set of challenges. My first internship was with the Colorado State University College of Business, but I enter this role with years of intensive marketing experience that I look forward to applying at a school working towards some really cool goals.

My first week of work was not without a hiccup or two. I returned from a trip to Japan (which I’ll write about in an upcoming post) sick with a number of ailments. I struggled through my first day, came home and went to sleep for about 13 hours. Symptoms have lingered all week and through the weekend, but I’m cautiously optimistic that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I’m ready to get started in earnest on Monday.

The feeling of being back on a college campus is really something special. I love being around students—from young undergraduates to seasoned professionals looking to boost their careers. Just last Friday I sat in on the Fowler Business Concept Challenge and watched bright-eyed students present the entrepreneurial ideas for solving some of today’s most serious social issues. It was encouraging, even for this admittedly cynical writer. And it’s great working for a mission-driven university that actively fosters the ambitions of students like these.

Anyway, I’ve got a lot of learning to do in the realm of higher education, and I’m just getting my legs underneath me with this new role, but I’m feeling good about this move. I’m sure the role will give me plenty to share on here as I navigate the work. Thanks for following along.