John Harrison has been the travel manager for the Division of Infectious Diseases for over 15 years. With his years of experience he enjoys helping people, in and outside of the department, navigate the ever-changing university travel system. His hobbies consist of painting, playing music, driving his old truck and of course, traveling! Maybe one day he will see Mars.
What’s your role and how long have you been a part of our Department?
IGHID/ID Travel Manager for over a decade. Perhaps 15 or so here and over 20 years total service.
Where are you from?
Born in Matthews NC and live in Carrboro NC
What originally attracted you to work at UNC Department of Medicine?
Was brought over by a manager I had worked with in another department that I liked. Change things up a bit and more pay.
What is the most interesting project you’ve been a part of so far?
The university travel system changeover has been interesting.
What do you enjoy most about working here?
Helping folks.
How has your role evolved over time since you’ve been here?
I’ve provided admin support in various ways but in the past few years with the increased travel changes at the university I’ve been more active helping not only our department, but also others navigate these new policies and procedures.
What is one thing that you wish people knew about your job?
How many different folks I’m able to assist and all the different interactions it takes to move things along. Every person is unique, and their communication styles vary. You get pretty good at understanding the best way to try and manage each unique situation. My job enables me to have a bird’s eye view of the university process, from the individual needing something all the way to making sure an expense gets paid for from the correct funding source many months later.
What are you most proud of, personal or professional?
Hopefully being a compassionate caring human. I genuinely want to have present positive interactions with others and try to find the ways in which connections can be made. Its not always possible but I like to try and engage in what I’m able to control….which is me.
What’s one thing on your bucket list?
Travel to space….Mars?
Do you have hobbies outside of work that you enjoy?
Traveling, painting, playing music, scuba diving, riding motorcycles and driving my old truck.
What piece of advice would you give to your younger self?
I would say this to my younger self, “Young John….I know you think your are present and patient but…..you can do better….chill”
What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?
I was an extra in the movie Empire Records and The Crow.