This month’s OVPUE staff member in the spotlight is Bandy Russell. We asked her a series of questions. Here’s what she had to say (responses have been edited for concision and clarity):
What is your name and what do you do; how long have you worked here in OVPUE?
Bandy Russell. I’ve worked for OVPUE since 2012, starting at IU high school and then transitioning to ACP a few months later.
What three traits define you?
I wear a few different hats. Some know me from drag racing cars at the 1/8th mile dragstrip at Brown County Dragway. Some know me from 4-H Photography and Horse and Pony some years ago. Others from the Indiana Ranch Horse Association and American Ranch Horse Association. More still may know me from the Brown County Rock Club or the Art Alliance of Brown County where my daughter and I are both members. I guess you could say I am versatile and adaptive. A third trait: helping others in their personal growth. I truly enjoy being a part of raising my kids, always encouraging others to try something new, teaching others to ride/train horses, and seeing students build confidence.
If you could learn anything, what would it be?
Some of the things I would like to learn are: how to silver smith, wire wrap, make ceramics, wood working, and correctly polish rocks (I’m trying to learn now). Really, anything related to different art techniques. In addition, I would like to learn more about business to start one for my artwork and rocks. Also, I would love to have and learn how to ride a finished cutting/working cow horse one day.
If you could do anything, what would you do?
If I could do anything, one day I would love to be a part of a cattle drive out west and ride my horse in Bryce Canyon. I have imagined having my own training center with horses, as well. I could see myself in a teaching position helping disadvantaged students learn and develop skills to become productive citizens by working with horses. The fastest 30 second transformation you can watch is seeing a child that has never been around a horse get on one. I truly enjoy watching the communication and connection between the two as they become a team. Horses connect with people in ways that you can’t see and I love watching how people change working with them. Otherwise, I might enjoy running an excavator. There are just so many options!
How do you define success?
Success can mean many things depending on the situation. It can mean anything from getting 25,000 students ready to register for ACP to remembering to get to an appointment on time. I also feel successful when others look at my artwork and find it pleasing to them because it encourages me to make more. I hope to find success selling my art as well, otherwise my house is going to get pretty full!
What do you do in your spare time?
This year has been amazing! My daughter Bailey and I joined the Art Alliance of Brown County. We currently have artwork at the Brown County Playhouse and the brand new Brown County Music Center. We have volunteered for the Paint Along and are look forward to doing more shows with them.
Bailey and I are also a part of the Brown County Rock and Mineral club and plan to volunteer at the Brown County Historical Society’s Rock show next weekend. We also do outings with the club, including to Flint Ridge in Ohio this year. This has started to develop into an entire family adventure! We went to Arkansas last year and dug for crystals in a few locations, and this year we plan on going to Georgia and South Carolina for some digs.
I also try to get some riding in on my horse, Badgers ER Drifter (Badger). I raised him from a range baby. Together we have a couple ARHA world show titles and he is the most amazing horse I have ever known. I used to show my horse and we made it as far as being Reserve All Around Amateur World Champion of ARHA. I do not like to throw titles around, but I am proud that the horse that never went to a professional trainer could earn such a title. Caring for our 28 year old mare and 13 year old dwarf miniature, along with our two dogs, many cats, cockatoo and green cheek conure take up our spare time, as well!
What is your favorite thing about working in OVPUE?
Working for OVPUE, I have been able to develop the best working models for our stakeholders, working as a team and independently. Two years ago, we reached a (then) high of 16,000 students and today we are helping 222 schools and 25,000 students. There has been a lot of growth over these 7 years and I’ve been glad to be a part of it all. I feel that I have developed excellent skills to be very effective at what I do and I am always seeking ways in which to improve. Just recently, I joined the Engagement Committee and look forward to working with them, and getting to know more wonderful OVPUE contributors.
Many thanks to Bandy for giving us a glimpse into her colorful, creative world.
We’d love to hear from you! Email us at vpueeng@iu.edu if you want to be featured (or would like to nominate someone to be featured!) in our Staff Spotlight series.
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