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Brian Phillips was one of Kent State’s Recreation and Wellness Service’s dedicated Web Developers for the Marketing Department. He graduated from 5X���� in 2023 with a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) in Computer Information Systems. Not only has he proven to be a dedicated student, but also an outstanding employee who has displayed professional growth.

Outside of Brian’s consistent academic performance, earning Dean’s List recognition for all 8 semesters, he has reflected his commitment to excellence at RecWell. He has gotten hands-on experience as a Web Developer, which helped shape his career path.

As a member of Kent State’s track and field team, competing in the long and triple jump, Brian was initially drawn to the Warren Student Recreation and Wellness Center. Upon discovering that RecWell had an opening in a position that directly interested him within the Marketing Department, he could not let the opportunity pass. He found that it was a perfect fit and aligned with his major, allowing him to combine his interest in technology with his relation to athletics.

In his role, Brian managed and updated various sections of the RecWell’s website, making sure all areas, such as the Ice Arena and Adventure Center, were presented properly. Being a Web Developer and consistently collaborating with RecWell’s areas, he has strengthened his communication skills and was taught to translate technical concepts to various audiences. Additionally, working across multiple web development platforms prepared him sufficiently to work in the future, supporting websites for a local school district. 

One of the most memorable projects for Brian during his time with RecWell was being a part of the transition from Drupal 1 to Drupal 2. This platform migration required him to be attentive, coordinated, and work as a team to successfully integrate content into the new system. This experience provided him with valuable insight into how web infrastructure works at an organizational level and the connection of digital platforms to marketing and communications. 

Currently, Brian serves as a Marketing Consultant at KeyBank. He partners with several lines of business to develop and execute data-driven marketing campaigns tailored to their needs. Working closely with stakeholders, he gathers data and specifications and launches targeted advertising initiatives. He credits RecWell and Kent State for the communication skills and general marketing knowledge that continue to influence his work. 

Reflecting on his journey, Brian recommends that current students embrace exploration – especially at RecWell. “As you get more experience, you figure out what you want to do,” he says. Before graduation, there were things he was unsure about, but after beginning his first professional role and applying the information and expertise he got, his direction became clearer. His advice: try new opportunities, even if they feel intimidating. 

What does being a former Flash mean to Brian? Brian continues to wear his Kent State gear, read the RecWell newsletter, and reflect on the mentors and friendships that helped him.

Fun Fact? Brian recently picked up bouldering as a hobby – an adventurous pursuit that mirrors his willingness to try new things.