Auburn College of Education's Brian Phillip honored with Spirit of Excellence Award for steady presence in tech support

For more than two decades, Brian Phillip has been a steady presence behind the technology that supports teaching and learning in Auburn University's College of Education. Recently, his dedication was recognized with an Auburn Spirit of Excellence award—an honor Phillip humbly accepts, but credits to those around him.

“It is an honor to be recognized and receive this award, but I have to say, it’s a bit awkward,” Phillip said. “I don’t often look for recognition regarding my job. It was instilled by my parents that you perform your job to the best of your ability. I have a sense of honor and pride with my work and strive to constantly raise the bar. I also know I am not alone. I couldn’t be the employee I am today without a lot of support from others in the College of Education and across campus.”

As a senior technical support analyst in the College of Education’s Learning Resources Center, Phillip’s role centers on making technology easier and more effective for faculty, staff and students.

“A big part of my job involves the support of the technology used in the college,” he explained. “Understanding how technology works and how someone can use it allows me to support faculty, staff and students in the College of Education.”

Phillip’s path into the college began in 2004, following more than five years with Auburn's Media Production Group in the Educational Television Studio. There, he served as production supervisor and post-production video editor.

“My understanding of audiovisual (AV) systems and software allowed a smooth transition to assisting faculty with recording classes and creating supplemental recordings,” he said. “Unfortunately, I had an interior office with no window.”

Technology—and how rapidly it evolves—fuels Phillip’s enthusiasm for his role.

“I think my favorite part of the job is how technology is constantly changing,” he said. “This cycle allows for new advancements in equipment or software that continue to make technology simpler to use. In the end, the simpler something is to use, the better.”

For Phillip, collaboration is key.

“When faculty, staff and students in the College of Education need support, I can often rely on a great team of coworkers in the Learning Resources Center to discuss and share ideas on how to better improve our end users’ use of technology,” he said. “Having a good team makes everyone’s job easier, and we can often come together to resolve complicated issues.”

Outside of work, Auburn holds a deeply personal place in Phillip’s heart. It’s where he met his wife, Andrea, during an encounter arranged by Dr. Amy Sue Reilly in Auburn’s iconic Haley Center.

“We were introduced and by the next fall, we were married,” Phillip said. “We were able to start a family and have been raising our four children, Haggin, Montana, Madison and Mary.”

And in addition to meeting his wife at Auburn, what else does he love most about Auburn and its College of Education?

"These last 20 years, Auburn Athletics has been woven into our lives and provided many memorable moments throughout,” he said. "Tiger Walk. Standing on the ramp as the pre-game eagle flies out into the stadium. The attempts at grabbing a Chick-fil-A cow as it parachutes down during a gymnastics meet.  All the pictures with Aubie.  Iron Bowl wins—especially the home games.  The insanity in the stadium after the Kick Six. Rolling of Toomer’s Corner."

He added that "I am thankful for the opportunities and memories that working at Auburn University in the College of Education has allowed my family. Oh, and now that we are in the (new) Education Building, I once again have an office window! I do love that."