CofC Faces to Know: Nate Place

Name: Nate Place

Hometown: Lancaster, New York – about 20 minutes outside of Buffalo

Education/Background: I earned a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Brockport in sports management with a dual minor in business administration and coaching. I also hold an associate degree from Monroe Community College in general studies with a concentration in sports studies.

Job title: Maintenance Shop Assistant Supervisor

How long have you worked at the College? I first started at the College as an intern in January 2017 through May 2017. Later that year, I joined the Athletics Department and made the switch to Facilities in October of 2023.

What are your job responsibilities? My responsibilities include setting up for campus events, replacing ceiling tiles, assisting with campus moves and supporting large-scale special events such as the Back-to-School Picnic and Commencement.

What do you like most about your job? What I enjoy most about my job is being outside and active around campus – taking in the scenery, interacting with people and being a small part of making events happen for the campus community.

What question do you get asked most in your job and what’s your typical answer? “What do you do to make your hair look like that?” My answer? “Nothing.”

What’s your favorite location on campus and why? My favorite spot on campus is Rivers Green – it’s peaceful, and I love watching the fish and turtles there since they moved them over from the Stern Center Garden.

What are your hobbies? I enjoy collecting clocks, beer glasses and magnets from the places I’ve traveled. I’m also a big fan of watching all Buffalo sports teams (and all sports in general).

What personal and/or professional accomplishment are you most proud of? I’m most proud of earning my Level 1 – Individual Effectiveness Skills certification through APPA, which focuses on leadership in educational facilities.

Name a creative work (book, movie, performance, etc.) you enjoyed recently and why? I recently enjoyed a live performance of Aladdin on a Disney cruise. The show had amazing effects and atmosphere, and the way the performers interacted with the audience – like running through the aisles during chase scenes – made it a really immersive experience.

What was your favorite TV show growing up? SpongeBob SquarePants

What’s next on your bucket list? Going to a Buffalo Bills playoff game

What is something your campus colleagues would be surprised to know about you? I’m a huge fan of sloths. I collect all kinds of sloth stuff, and I’ve even had the chance to pet and feed one!

What was your first job? I was a Little League baseball umpire in the eighth and ninth grades.

What’s your favorite Lowcountry restaurant? Muse Restaurant & Wine Bar

Describe your perfect day: My perfect day will be when the Buffalo Bills win the Super Bowl.

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