Staff Spotlight: Steven Bergman

November 29, 2018 seknapp

Steven Bergman is the director of sponsored student programs in the Office of Global Engagement, where he provides support, guidance, and mentorship to sponsored students at NC State.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m originally from Grand Forks, ND. After 17 years of suffering through freezing cold winters, I decided to go to college in a location with the exact opposite kind of weather. I moved to the Los Angeles area to attend Whittier College. I’ve spent my professional career in international education, having worked for the International Baccalaureate and with international programs at Duke University.

How long have you been with NC State and the Office of Global Engagement?

1.5 months

Tell us what you do in a few sentences.

I oversee sponsored student programs for NC State. I provide support and guidance to sponsors and their students by helping them navigate the academic and administrative offices on campus and connecting them to resources.

What’s your favorite thing about your work?

The students! I am a people person and I’m fascinated to learn about students and the experiences they’ve had living in their home countries!

Tell us one thing we might be surprised to learn about you.

I’m not sure if this is what you’re working for but, I worked at a Target in Hollywood when I was in college and managed to have a number of celebrity encounters, my favorites being getting hugged by Drew Barrymore, and high-fived by Lil Jon.

What do you like to do outside of work?

Travel – I’ve been to more than 30 countries, and I keep looking for excuses to visit new ones. I’m also an avid hiker, and it doesn’t take much to convince me to get out on the trail. This summer I hope to do the first leg of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, if anyone is interested.

Aside from hiking and travel, I spend most of my time running/walking the roads and trails of south Durham with my wife (Catherine) and my dog (Cooper).

What’s one thing on your desk you brought from home?

A picture of my wife!

What’s your favorite travel destination?

Germany or New Zealand