Angie Cooksy: 0:13

Welcome to another episode of the Bradley University Podcast. I am your host, Angie Cooksy, with my co-host Ben Jedd. We have to work on a better opening. We are your hosts who get to tell the stories of Bradley's campus, which I think is the coolest part of our job.

Ben Jedd: 0:28

Yeah, no, it's a lot of fun. I am AVP of Marketing and Communications.

Angie Cooksy: 0:32

And I serve as the vice president for enrollment management, marketing and communications. And we record in Hilltop Studios, which is located in the lower level of University Hall. Um, one of our secret missions of the podcast is to get more people into the studio. And so it's one of the things, as soon as guests come in, we're like, have you ever been here before? And so um it's it's very cool to get to showcase not only the people of our campus, but all of the magic that happens all over campus on the show.

Ben Jedd: 0:56

Absolutely. Before you got here, Dan, uh Angie was playing the piano. So we'll have her do that.

Angie Cooksy: 1:00

I'm not doing that. This is now Ben's favorite thing to do on the show is to tell people about all of the musical instruments in here and threaten me to play them, which is not good for anybody. Um so let's dive in with our guests. Since you already told people who is here today, uh Dr. Dan Moon, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, is joining us. Welcome.

Daniel Moon: 1:18

Well, thank you. I am very happy to be here with you both. And really, the only reason I came was because I heard Angie was gonna play piano and then drums. And so if that doesn't happen, I'm just gonna leave right now. Okay, okay.

Ben Jedd: 1:30

Well, this is gonna be short. It's a very short episode.

Angie Cooksy: 1:33

So um I think people might turn off the episode if I actually do either one of those things. So we're gonna prevent that from happening. Um, but let's get started with what we're actually doing. Uh, can you tell people a little bit about your background and your journey to the seat that you're sitting in today as provost at Bradley?

Daniel Moon: 1:49

Yeah, so um I've been here at Bradley about three and a half years. Um originally I got here uh as the dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Um and before that, I was at University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Florida for about 18 years. Um so, you know, really spent a good part of my career there. Um and, you know, a lot of people ask me, well, why did you leave there to come to Bradley? Um actually Yeah, you know, really the the question that a lot of people ask me is not why did you leave that university to come to this university, it was why'd you leave Florida to come to Illinois? Um, but um really the the reason that I that I made the switch um was because you know I saw something in Bradley that was just so incredibly special. And and from the minute that I started to interact with the people here at Bradley, I I I felt just this sense of of incredible community and passion for the institution. Um, just this love of the institution that I felt from the faculty, staff, students that was just so incredibly special. And and the mentoring relationship that the faculty and staff have with our students, it was something, honestly, that that my um my first university, University of North Florida had when I joined. Um, and over time we lost. And and so um was something that when I saw it at Bradley was was just incredibly special. So came here um and and really just have loved it. And then um when I had the opportunity to step into the role as as um provost, uh it's just been amazing because I've gotten a chance to work really closely with colleagues from across the institution. I've gotten a chance to learn so many great things about our faculty staff and students from every corner of campus, and that just has been absolutely incredible.

Ben Jedd: 3:44

Um So you've been provost now for some time. Um what does provost do on a daily basis?

Daniel Moon: 3:53

I ask myself the same question then. He gets to make out a feel. I don't know. That's true. That is very, very true. Um so really, you know, in in a nutshell, I mean, if if you want to kind of boil it down, the the role of the provost is you oversee the academics of the institution, right? And and so when you talk about um all of the academic programs and and and the academic experiences of the students and and what the faculty members do on a day-to-day basis, it's the responsibility of the provost to direct that and provide resources and provide support for all of that. Um, you know, and and when you break that down, um honestly, what it what it looks like is um, you know, probably about eight to ten meetings a day, and then um the rest of the time is uh email. You know, email. Yeah, right. Sounds correct. Um no, but it you know, it it's it's such a it's such an amazing variety of things. And so um it can be um meetings um to try to look for partnerships um with with community partners or other um universities to to leverage our strengths and and create new opportunities for our students. It can be um, you know, attending um celebrations of of faculty and staff accomplishments. It can be um you know pulling a group together to to look at a a new way of thinking about our curriculum or or combining courses to um to think about a new program that we might offer for students. It's so many of the things that that we think about when we think about how we can better leverage um our existing strengths to create new opportunities for faculty, staff, and students. And and one of the things I love about it is every day is different, every day is exciting, and the focus is is always on how we do a better job for our students.

Ben Jedd: 5:55

That's great.

Angie Cooksy: 5:56

I I was thinking about, you know, knowing that you were coming in here and and how frequently you and I get to work together. You have a science background, I believe. I do. Um I don't want to misspeak, but I'm curious how your science background maybe influences how you think about your role as a provost and and the decision-making process that goes into that. It's science background, it's technical, it's that process has to still be part of what you do today.

Daniel Moon: 6:25

Yeah, you know, so it it's it's interesting because I do have a science background. So I'm I'm a biologist by trade, which some people say um is not a real scientist. Um but I you know not people that we need to do. Okay, fair. That's fair. That's fair. You are fair. Yeah. Talk talk to a physicist or a chemist, and you'll see. And you'll see. Um but no, really, um so I I think it I think it's such a great background for for what I do. And and and I'll tell you why. Um one, because uh a lot of a lot of my background in my training really was related to data collection, data analysis, and and and sort of pulling patterns out of data. And so one of the things that that does is it gives me the ability to to really understand how to look at numbers, look at data and and derive a story from it, but also to understand when numbers are telling you a story and when numbers just aren't telling you a story. Because sometimes, you know, especially now, sometimes we we just become so data-driven that a lot of times we miss the forest for the trees. And so I think it's really important to be able to know when we are um being slaves to data and and when we are actually really needing data to to tell us a story. But the other piece of this um is my biological background, it's it's not the stuff that you need a microscope for. I'm actually an ecologist. And the reason why that's important is because my my research and my field of expertise is really understanding how lots of pieces of the living world fit together and work together in harmony, right? So so my particular field of expertise is food web dynamics. And my research was looking at how environmental factors influence and disrupt food webs. And so when you think about higher education, that's what we have right now, right? So what silos. Right, and what we have right now is we've got lots of environmental factors that are disrupting our food web, right, in higher education and disrupting our system and disrupting how things work. And so part of part of my background in training is understanding how all of these factors, when they impact one part of the system, that can impact the entire system. And so, you know, pulling that background together and knowing that that all of these parts of the institution, and whether we're talking about just within academic affairs, or I also think that's part of the reason why um I really value partnerships like with you, Angie and Ben, and you know, and with our other partners, you know, Betsy and Nathan and and across the leadership team, because I understand how important all of those pieces working well together really are for the entire university to function.

Ben Jedd: 9:49

So I uh just totally geeked out on all of your data discussion from and it was totally my marketing hat that I'm I'm living with here because there's so much data. And then the first the first thing I thought of was like maybe Dan Moon could look at some of the marketing data and tell us what he did. But then but then it was also how the the idea that it can't like all of the numbers don't tell you all the stories. That's right. Because at the end of the day, a 17-year-old is going to make a decision on college based on what that 17-year-old decides they want to go to college for, right? That's right. So that's right. It's it's are the boys cute.

Angie Cooksy: 10:28

Are the boys cute?

Daniel Moon: 10:31

Yeah, you told us that this morning. Yeah, that was hysterical.

Ben Jedd: 10:34

But but I think that that it is a combination of taking that data and making some decisions, but also trusting your government. Yeah, right.

Daniel Moon: 10:41

Right? Right. And and knowing, you know, to your point, and knowing which data are important and and and which data really aren't, because the you know, the trap sometimes is sometimes we think that all data are important or all data are equally important, and that's just not true. And and so you know, part of the part of the trick is is knowing knowing which numbers are important, which numbers aren't. And then, you know, if you if you kind of go back, if you if you peel back even further, um one of the one of the dirty secrets of data is if you know what you're doing, you can make data say anything you want, right? And and so you kind of have to be careful of of that as well.

Angie Cooksy: 11:30

That's one of the things I've so appreciated about working with you as closely as we have, Dan, is I know that I can come in a little bit like an energizer bunny sometimes. Um, maybe you haven't experienced that.

Daniel Moon: 11:42

No, I don't I don't know what you're talking about.

Angie Cooksy: 11:45

But one of the things that I find so refreshing about working with you is that you have this really calming presence and you're very much like, okay, I hear that. Let's think a little bit deeper, let's think a little bit further. Like, have you thought about that? And I think that that energy on our campus is so valuable. And I just want to say, like, I really appreciate the balance that you bring. And I think it is that science background and it's your approach to data, but also just your approach to interactions with humans that make you really great at this, at this space in the in this role.

Daniel Moon: 12:13

Oh, well, thank you. I I appreciate that too. And and you know, working with you is is so great because you know, I think I think the combination, you and I work well together because you always bring this energy and you bring this enthusiasm and you bring lots of great ideas. And together, I think, you know, we we come to a really great place um where we come up with some great solutions and great plans and and and great strategies. And I and I think it's really paying dividends.

Angie Cooksy: 12:43

And so um we're gonna get some things across the finish line. Yeah, yeah. We're so close on some really cool things.

Daniel Moon: 12:48

And we already are, yes. Um, you know, not you know, not to not to spoil any surprises, but we've got we've got we've got some planes that are that are landing already, so it's good.

Angie Cooksy: 13:00

We like to talk a little bit about we've you know the student experience here in um, you know, Ben, so much of what we get to do is is tell the stories, and so uh you want to talk a little bit about this what Dan's role is in the student space or yeah, no, I I think that that would be really great.

Ben Jedd: 13:17

I think especially like from a provost standpoint, if I'm a parent, I'm sending my kid to Bradley, they're probably not going to necessarily interact with you a ton on a daily basis, but you do influence that student experience so much. So, how can you talk a little bit about your role with students and and how you influence that?

Daniel Moon: 13:40

Yeah, absolutely. Um, and and the first thing that I'll say about that is um I'm I'm a little bit different than I think a lot of provosts are in the sense that I I do and always will prioritize direct student interaction. Not every provost does, um, but one of the things that I have always done is I've always prioritized directly engaging with students, whether it's as focus groups, meeting with um student body presidents, student government, um because I believe that having that direct touch point and hearing directly from students and and meeting directly with them and and hearing what what they're what they're going through and what they're experiencing is is part of what really informs me and and helps me serve them better. Um but in terms of you know the the provost role, one of the things, again, getting back to um the provost role in in helping to shape the academics of the institution, one of the things that really drives that is student success and making sure that that the academic experience that we are providing, number one, that our teachers really are, and and our faculty members, our professors, really are providing the kind of classroom experience that are gonna help make our students successful, they're gonna give them the kind of knowledge in the classroom that will not only help them be successful in the class, but then also beyond that in successive classes and then once they graduate, and then also providing some of the kinds of hands-on learning and co-curricular experiences, internships, clinical experiences that are such a an integral part of their educational experience that are outside the classroom that are just part of that Bradley educational experience. So much of my role is helping to make sure that we are providing those experiences, that they're the best, absolute best experiences that we can provide students. That's my role. And so, you know, when we talk about the provost role and and how it shapes the student experience, I I look at I look at a a huge part of my role as as really being that, helping to make sure that that student experience is the absolute best we can provide.

Ben Jedd: 16:10

That's that's so great. Um, and just to follow up, uh, just talking with you, you're you're so passionate and and you seem to just care so much about what the faculty are doing, that that experience. Can you share a story? Uh we what we often ask about a student story, but could you share a story of a faculty or a staff? Um, and you don't have to use their name if you don't want to, but that that really stands out and really like did something that surprised you even, you know?

Daniel Moon: 16:42

Boy, yeah. Uh you know, the the the tough part of that for me is probably picking one. There's so many. That's why I said you have to name their name, right? There are so so many. Um, you know, I think the We got time, you can tell too.

Angie Cooksy: 16:54

Yeah.

Daniel Moon: 16:55

Um you know, so one of the ones that that that comes to mind, um, there's a a faculty member um who was working with a a student in particular. Um, this was a student who was doing very well um in classes and then just suddenly stopped showing up. Um and and this was a bit out of character. And this faculty member um repeatedly reached out to the student um and eventually got the student to respond and to come in, um, talked with the student. Um the student was from an underrepresented population. Um it was the student was not only doing well in class, but was also working on an independent study project, a research project with this faculty member. Um faculty member talked with a student about what was going on, um, found out that there were um some significant issues at home, both economically, um issues in terms of domestic abuse, um, issues in terms of um some mental health challenges that this not only this student, but also the student's parents were experiencing, um, and what this faculty member did not only to help this student through that situation, but to help this student to complete and to complete successfully not only that class, but also the other classes that this student was taking that semester to complete that research project and then to present that project at a regional conference. Um it to me it exemplified everything that is incredible about the relationship between our faculty and our students here. Um and it's it's it's one of the things, and again, because of because of some of the sort of sensitive backstory of the student, um, it's it's one of those stories that probably a lot of people will never ever hear, never ever know about. But but for me, it is just one of those things that just makes this university so absolutely special because that is by no means the only example of that level of dedication among our faculty members.

Angie Cooksy: 19:49

For sure. I I mean I like don't even have words because I just feel like we see it all the time, and those are the things that you're right. It doesn't get brought up and it doesn't get you know, that's not what we put on a billboard. You how do you put that out like that? But it it's the heart of who we are. And I I'm so appreciative for you sharing that story. Speaking of the heart of who we are, one of the reasons that we have this show is to be able to allow people to get to know each other on this campus. Um so what's something that people may not know about you, Dan?

Daniel Moon: 20:18

Wow. Um wow, things that things that people may not know about me. Um so number one, uh, I am originally from New York. And so, you know, we joked earlier about I I moved uh to Illinois from Florida for the weather, but that's actually partially true. Um because you wanted seasons. Yeah, I really, I really did. And and you know, a few of my colleagues laugh at me when I say that, but but you know, it is the honest truth. I I really did move here because um I I did want four seasons and no hurricanes. And and no hurricanes, that's true. Um, but you know, I traded hurricanes for tornadoes, and I'm not sure that that was a a wise trade. Um from a big family. I'm actually one of nine kids. Um and uh and so that was that was interesting growing up. We're big family people here too. We appreciate it. Oh wow, okay, okay. Usually that's that's uh that's pretty rare that I talk with people who are all.

Angie Cooksy: 21:13

And I mean we don't have nine, but I'm one of six.

Ben Jedd: 21:16

And I have five.

Daniel Moon: 21:17

Wow, okay.

Angie Cooksy: 21:19

So what is your what's your order? Like where are you in the nine?

Daniel Moon: 21:23

Yeah, I'm the youngest. Yeah, so I'm nine of nine.

Angie Cooksy: 21:26

I'm the oldest.

Daniel Moon: 21:26

She's oldest.

Angie Cooksy: 21:28

This is probably why we get along so much.

Daniel Moon: 21:29

It could be, yeah, yeah, it could be. You got the yin-yang balance going on. Yeah, exactly. Um, yeah, and one more thing. Uh I'm a second degree black belt in Taekwondo.

Angie Cooksy: 21:39

So I learn something every time I talk to Dana.

Daniel Moon: 21:42

That is true. You do.

Angie Cooksy: 21:44

Um, and so the way that we end the show is uh we ask everybody the same question and we typically get the same facial response from everybody. One of the days we're gonna have to record visual.

Ben Jedd: 21:54

Or on my camera. Your camera, yeah.

Angie Cooksy: 21:56

Um so we talk a lot about what makes this place special. You talked about the human aspect of it. Um to put you on the spot a little bit, what Dan Moon are you unapologetically exceptional at?

Daniel Moon: 22:07

Wow.

Angie Cooksy: 22:09

Yep, that's nice.

Daniel Moon: 22:13

Listening. I think the you know one of the things that that I might be exceptional at is is really listening to other people's perspectives and ideas, um, and and really internalizing that, taking that to heart, and and and then seeing how I can best help and support those those different perspectives and needs.

Angie Cooksy: 22:40

I love that.

Ben Jedd: 22:41

That's that's fantastic. I have one more question though. Yeah. What's your favorite restaurant in Peoria? Wow. Yeah. This is a new addition.

Daniel Moon: 22:49

This is a hard one. That's a good one. That's a good one.

Angie Cooksy: 22:53

Um we're mostly taking notes about where we're gonna go.

Daniel Moon: 22:56

Yeah, yeah. Um so if I had to pick one, it would probably be connected. Connected. Ooh. Yeah. Have you been to connector? I haven't been to connected. Yeah. Okay. We'll add it to Connecticut. Yeah, try that one. Yeah, that's good.

Angie Cooksy: 23:10

That's Bet and I's new goal is to try new things in Peoria. And so we'll just add it to the list.

Daniel Moon: 23:15

Yeah, that'd be great. Yeah.

Angie Cooksy: 23:16

Um Dan, thank you so much for coming on. This is the coolest part of I think a lot of the work that Ben and I get to do is to to talk to people in and around campus. And so we really appreciate it. Um, that is anything you want to add as we wrap up?

Daniel Moon: 23:28

Well, wait, I'm still waiting for you to play piano.

Angie Cooksy: 23:30

So okay, that's the end of our show, folks. Uh, that is all that we have this week. Um, we're gonna try to get somebody who knows how to play piano. I think we should interview um the new uh kaboom box. They can play piano. Do you guys know about kaboom box?

Daniel Moon: 23:45

Yes, that's a great idea.

Angie Cooksy: 23:46

So good. So we'll get somebody who actually knows how to play piano and drums on the show, and it will not be me. Uh but uh this it wraps up our episode of uh the Bradley University Podcast. It is the coolest part of our job, like I mentioned, to get to interview people in and around Bradley's campus. So if you would like to come on the show, uh feel free to email either Ben or I, and we will get you scheduled uh so that you can tell your Bradley story and what that means in and around our campus community. Thanks, everybody. Go Bradley.