The Best of Man’s Best Friend
David Pittman loves running with his dog, Milo
Name: David PittmanPosition: Director, Student LifeYears at Duke: 7
What I do at Duke: I work in the University Center Activities and Events office. Functionally, I oversee the student involvement office and the Leadership Development and Social Action office, and advise Duke Student Government. It’s a fascinating process to watch students practice leadership and influence campus culture, the direction of the university and find their voice.
If I had $5 million, I would: I’d give back to my parents because they’ve given so freely to me, and I wouldn’t be where I am without them. I’d give to charities like the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and then go on a vacation. I wouldn’t care where – just somewhere tropical. With all that money, I’d have my pick.
My first ever job: Working in a library in Halifax, North Carolina, checking out books. It was so not me. This involved taking the little card in the back of the book, having the patron sign their name and then file it away. I think I was at the library one day and they just asked me if I was looking for a summer job. I was 15 and had a work permit to start there.
My dream job: To be a vice president of Student Affairs because I love developing strong teams. If I could choose any job that's not related to what I've spent my entire career planning for, it would be. to be a forensic psychologist. I’m fascinated with the connection between sciences and human behavior.
If someone wanted to start a conversation with me they should ask me about: My dog, Milo, a boxer-American bulldog. He is the smartest dog ever and he’s man’s best friend. He’s super well behaved and highly social. We like to run together and I’ll take him four or five miles along the Al Buehler Trail or on East Campus.
The best advice I ever received: Don’t forget where you came from. It’s about the notion of authenticity and remaining true to yourself.
What I love about Duke: Working with high-caliber students. I like teaching students, but at Duke, I learn a lot from them, too.
When I’m not at work, I like to: Ride my boat at Lake Gaston, run and I’ve got a green thumb in the yard. In the last couple years, I’ve built a waterfall feature for a koi pond.
If I could have one superpower, it would be: To appear and disappear. When I’m annoyed I’d could just snap my fingers and be gone. Plus, getting from West to East Campus would be a synch.
Something most people don’t know about me: I loved playing Ping-Pong in college and I won a tournament in my residence hall at Barton College. I liked playing doubles because it was about teamwork, not just getting out of somebody’s way. We played every day in my residence hall.
An interesting/memorable day at work for me: I love move-in day because it’s a tension of opposites – the excitement of parents and students and the stress and uncertainty of the unknown. I love helping pull those opposites close together to help celebrate the happiness and make it a memorable day for students and families.