Image Alternative Text: Depicted left to right are the Rowan University Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) leadership team: Dr. Rachael Shapiro; Dom Pierson; Chiara Latimer; John Woodruff; Dr. Penny McPherson–Myers, Vice President, center; Dr. Brett Pulliam; Patricia Fortunato; Dr. Janelle Alexander; and Kim Wampler. The team is standing inside of Savitz Hall at Rowan University.
This interview was conducted by Charles A. Barnes II, JD for the Rowan University Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) (barnesc3@rowan.edu). Barnes is a Ph.D. Candidate at the College of Education (COE) and serves as a Graduate Fellow for the Division of DEI.
Dr. Brett Pulliam, Assistant Vice President of Student Success and Inclusion Programs at the Division of DEI, didn't start out in higher education. With an undergraduate degree in business administration and marketing finance, he pursued a career in the corporate world. However, after overcoming challenging experiences in college, he attained employment at his undergraduate institution's financial aid office. That experience changed the trajectory of his career.
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Learning Through Setbacks
Reflecting on his professional journey, Dr. Pulliam shares, "I failed my first class. It was a business, financial accounting course. And I had to take the course over the summer. I spoke to my father, he says, 'Listen, I'm happy to pay for you to go to college, not paying for you to fail.' So, I needed a job and I got a job working with the Educational Opportunity Fund Program (EOF). And it just changed my experience because the staff kind of took me under their wing and tried to help train me and provide me some guidance and support."
Overcoming this challenge opened up an unexpected path in higher education. After working in the EOF office and graduating, Dr. Pulliam went on to a career spanning 12 years in enrollment management/student advising with an EOF program at Seton Hall University. He then continued to achieve roles of increasing responsibility focused on student success and inclusion programs.
It's About the Students
When asked what motivates him, Dr. Pulliam emphasizes, "It's what gets me out of bed. I used to tell my students, 'You're helping me become a better father,' before I wasn't even a parent." He goes on to explain how working directly with students, listening to their stories, and helping them work through challenges has made him a more empathetic supervisor and leader.
Dr. Pulliam makes it a priority to gather direct input from students on what they need, sharing, "I didn't assume what students needed. I wanted to get it straight from them." By giving students opportunities to share their perspectives, he's able to adjust programming and services to better support them.
The Power of Encouragement
One of Dr. Pulliam's most memorable experiences was working with a student who had dreams of attending medical school but was discouraged by a counselor who conveyed it wasn't achievable. Describing their journey, he shares, "That student ended up getting admitted into the school of osteopathic medicine, and so now, years later, the student is in a residency program."
He concludes, "It always makes me smile and I still stay in contact with them and tell them how proud I am." For Dr. Pulliam, it's about giving students the encouragement and support they need to achieve their goals against the odds.
Take Chances, Have Fun
Reflecting on lessons learned over his career, Dr. Pulliam emphasizes, "Don't be afraid to take chances. There's a lot of opportunities that I didn't explore because there was some hesitancy. Have fun. Don't be afraid to take chances."
Dr. Brett Pulliam's journey conveys how one failure can open up unexpected paths. His career has been driven by a passion for empowering student success. Though he didn't set out to work in higher education, he found his calling by investing in the lives of students and has been doing so for over 20 years. The Division of DEI welcomes Dr. Brett Pulliam to the team and looks forward to his dedication to the students at Rowan University.