Frank Hammond Jr.

Academic Advisor, Dietrich Success Center

Bio

Pronouns: he/him/his

Office Location: Baker Hall 160
To schedule a meeting: https://go.oncehub.com/frankhammond

Frank advises first and second year undeclared students.

How long have you been at CMU and how did you get here? 

I started at CMU in late 2023. Born and raised in the City of Pittsburgh, I’m grateful that I’ve worked in higher education in my hometown since 2016. I started first as a program administrator for Jazz Studies at another institution. I was responsible for coordinating concerts, lectures and community outreach initiatives. I also worked with student music groups which led to my desire to work with students one on one in academic advising.  

What is something you love about your job and/or what is one of your favorite memories of being an advisor?

What I love about advising is helping students unlock their full potential and to become the best version of themselves without forgetting who they are and where they come from. I enjoy getting to know my students, not just their academic interests, but their hobbies and aspirations.

Please share with us one of your favorite quotations and why you love it.

My favorite quote is from one of my favorite musicals, “The Wiz.” Glinda the Good Witch of the South says to Dorothy, “Home is knowing, knowing your mind, knowing your heart, knowing your courage. If we know ourselves, we’re always home anywhere.” I love this quote because it reminds me that no matter where we are or what we’re doing, as long as we know ourselves we can bring a sense of home to wherever we go. 

What was your undergraduate major? How did you end up deciding on it?

My undergraduate major was Theater. I started as an Education major, but always had a passion for the performing arts. When I started getting more involved with the theater department and learned that they were starting a new theater management program, I decided to make the switch to theater as my primary major.

What is a fun or surprising fact about yourself?

Other than working in higher education, my favorite place to work at was the Pittsburgh ScareHouse, a haunted house attraction based in Pittsburgh. I worked a couple of seasons there as an actor. 

What activities/hobbies do you like to do outside of work and/or what do you like to do to de-stress or unwind after a busy day?

I love all forms of entertainment. Movies, theater, amusement parks, etc... I also enjoy writing shorts stories, plays, and screenplays and had the pleasure of seeing some of my work performed live.