Of the more than 1,000 people affiliated with the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, most have likely interacted with Dean Staley at least once.
Staley is an administration support associate and likely the first person people see when they walk into the cancer center’s director’s office. Staley wears many hats at UNC Lineberger and even more outside of work, including that of pastor, piano technician and student.
In March 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic changed the world and the term “work from home” became synonymous with many jobs, Staley was still coming into the cancer center to ensure critical administrative tasks were being completed.
Here’s a few minutes with Dean Staley.
Tell us about your journey to this point in your career.
I came to UNC Lineberger as a temporary employee. I have been a full-time employee at Lineberger for 18 years, as of November 1, 2023.
What keeps you busy outside of work?
I am a pastor of a church in Asheboro, N.C., and I am also a piano technician.
I’m a father and husband, although my children are grown and paying taxes now but I’m of course still very much involved in their lives.
I’m in school at the Word of Life Bible College, I have one more semester and I will have my doctor of ministry degree.
What does your day-to-day look like?
I am responsible for over 18 different duties at UNC Lineberger. The things I do everyday are: checking in packages, sorting and distributing mail, preparing outgoing Fedex shipments, booking conference rooms, ordering supplies, issuing parking permits and vouchers, answering phones, answering questions, and being nice to people.
What’s it like working for a place that has such an important mission?
It’s very rewarding, I feel I am really contributing to the process because all of us do something that brings healing to somebody else in the long run or brings a cure or relief, and I enjoy being part of that process.
What is your most memorable moment from the front office at UNC Lineberger?
The day a very strange man walked in off the street and wanted to speak to the director of the cancer center. He claimed to have “the cure for cancer”. Somehow, I managed to talk to him long enough to get him out of the front door.
What makes UNC Lineberger a special place to work?
My job has allowed me to be around professionals and see a different side of life. I love the people I work around and enjoy my job. It’s worth getting up and driving the 50-55 minutes from my house to here.