Name: Debra Deakin

How long at Sac State : Almost two years

Department: Budget Planning & Administration

Job Title: Budget Analyst

Responsibilities: Special funds, general fund, and university wide fund and financial analysis and projections; pro forma development for capital projects; position management, labor cost distribution, and other HR processes; various other financial analyses and reports on budget, revenue and expenditures.

What makes you most proud of the work you do?

In our office we frequently have the opportunity to assist the campus community by demystifying some of the budget processes. I enjoy helping employees to learn how to use the CMS system to get more information so they can make better decisions and manage their funds more adeptly. I try to provide accurate, sound and useful information to whomever I work with on any topic I address.

What makes you proud to be a member of the Sac State community?

Virtually all of the employees I have encountered at Sac State are extraordinarily competent and enthusiastic—what a professional group! This has been my impression across the board, not just with respect to the area of finance. The level of support and cooperation I have observed has been unusual, too.

In a word, how would you describe Sac State ?

Friendly

What is your idea of a welcoming campus?

A welcoming campus would make all who visit it feel accepted and encouraged to join in its activities and to realize their potential. I believe we can never do enough to promote an environment of respect and appreciation for others; all of us should be teaching this attitude by example. My position doesn’t have a great deal of public contact, but I try to convey the spirit of this belief in every interaction I have, whether phone or e-mail, or just walking across campus to meetings and the like.

Of all the upcoming plans for Sac State , what is the most important to you?

Without question, that would be fostering excellent academic and student programs. This is our highest priority.

What do think will have the most impact in the future?

The quality of education our students receive will have the greatest impact on our collective future, because the quality of life humanity can expect depends on our students’ ability to solve problems and to make intelligent and informed decisions that consider the welfare of all people and of our environment. Given our present challenges, ensuring that the public has access to higher education with a meaningful curriculum is critical.

Additional comments about ABA, Sac State, or Destination 2010?

It's rewarding to be part of such an effective and conscientious team as ABA, and to witness firsthand how hard its personnel work on behalf of the campus. The Destination 2010 campaign has the wholehearted support of our managers, who are actively working to accomplish D2010 goals.