Kasra Sotudeh (he/him), Academic & Curriculum Development Coordinator, Athletic Study Center
What does your program, unit, or division do on campus?
The Athletic Study Center is a team of Advisors, Learning Specialists, and Tutors, guided by our core values of learning, inclusion, integrity, teamwork and compassion. Our mission is to support student athletes in developing as independent, self-reliant and successful young adults. We are committed to the integration and engagement of student athletes into campus life.
Describe your job in five words:
Innovative; Purpose-Driven; Collaborative; Developmental; and Student-Centered
Why Berkeley?
A place that challenges me to explore meaningful paths of engagement each day while being a reflective practitioner who seeks to enhance opportunity windows for our student-athletes based on their diverse lived experiences.
Over your career, what are some of the things that have helped you move to the next level and to new opportunities?
I live by the principle of continuously building on my professional foundation, recognizing that each experience, big or small, has contributed to where I am on my career track. Never lose sight of the deep roots embedded in the journey!
What is the best advice a mentor has given you in work, life, or beyond?
Lean on your talent so that you can create a job you love and get paid for it.
What motivates you to do your best work?
Continuously being challenged by myself, my students, and my colleagues to move beyond the transactional and into the transformative. Being more mindful of differing perspectives and finding common ground.
What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had?
Driving a big yellow school bus on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in the brutal winters of South Dakota.
What is an interesting or little-known fact about you?
I am a self-proclaimed dark chocolate snob who likes to express my passion for single origin, small batch cocoa.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
Celebrating a milestone birthday with my family and friends in March; and a return to workouts in the swimming pool.