Alexander Hoy, an administrative secretary at the School of Art and Design in the College of Creative Arts and Media, has been selected for the October Staff Council Classified Staff Showcase.
While earning extra money hauling feed and mowing grass on former director Alison Helm’s horse farm, his hard work caught her eye. Impressed by his work ethic, she suggested he apply for his current position in 2022.
“Life in Carmichaels, Pennsylvania, taught me early on the value of honest work, but I never dreamed it would lead me across state lines,” he said. “Mountaineer grit paved the way to this incredible University, and the rest is history.”
In his role, he supports faculty and students by tracking expenses, managing calendars, overseeing student workers, and resolving class registration restrictions. However, his favorite duty is leading campus tours, where he serves as a welcoming face for prospective students and families.
“Many people picture a secretary as someone glued to a desk answering phone calls, but my role extends far beyond that,’ Hoy said. “It has opened the door to unexpected learning opportunities.”
Those unexpected moments include driving art and design majors to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob near Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania — an experience that shifted his perspective on architecture and the environment. He also developed valuable carpentry skills building studio walls at the Canady Creative Arts Center.
Outside the office, Hoy is a three-time marathoner eyeing a personal best at the next Pittsburgh Marathon. Channeling his passion for running into community service, he carried the flag in the Relay for America and is the lead organizer for the upcoming inaugural race benefiting the Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis.
Additionally, he ran 28 miles alongside Youtuber Brady McDonald while visiting Morgantown for the 50-state Make-A-Wish Foundation challenge. To support the cause, Hoy traveled to Hawaii in September to finish out the last state as the campaign hit its $1 million goal.
He also enjoys spending time with his daughters, Jayde and Joslyn, playing chess, fishing, and reading the “Game of Thrones” series.
Each month, the University acknowledges the valuable efforts and hard work of a Classified Staff employee with the Classified Staff Showcase.