Celebrating the Legendary Staff of Emerson: Part 2
Emerson College is fueled, in part, by the dedication and unwavering commitment of its staff. Among these pillars of the institution are Nestor Carranza, Anne Doyle, Thomas Doyle, and Anne Isakson, whose collective Emerson experience spans more than a century. Learn more about their Emerson journeys:
Thomas Doyle, Assistant Director, Business Services
Thomas Doyle holds the role of assistant director of business services, nestled within the Facilities Management and Campus Services framework. He has a diverse array of responsibilities, from overseeing mail services and print copy operations to managing bookstore affairs, meal plans, and vending services. His multifaceted role places him at the forefront of ensuring efficient and effective business operations at the College.
With an impressive tenure of over 30 years at Emerson, Doyle began his journey as a student employee in the mailroom, gradually ascending through various supervisory and managerial positions. This extensive experience has endowed him with a deep understanding of the institution’s intricacies and a keen insight into optimizing operational workflows.
Over the years, Doyle has witnessed remarkable technological advancements that have reshaped the College landscape. From the era during which internet connectivity was nascent to the integration of sophisticated systems like the Seaboard system in 2009, he has adeptly navigated these changes, leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and streamline operations.
Despite the evolution of technology and work environments, Doyle’s core values of diligence and a hands-on approach remain unwavering. He takes immense pride in ensuring that every facet of his responsibilities is meticulously executed, from managing budgets to responding promptly to emails and phone calls, providing exemplary service to students, parents, and colleagues alike.
When reflecting on Emerson College, he immediately thinks about the institution’s vibrant diversity and its dynamic urban setting. These elements contribute significantly to what he perceives as Emerson’s unique character, fostering an environment in which individuals from diverse backgrounds converge, creating a rich tapestry of perspectives and experiences.
Anne Isakson, Enterprise Application Administrator, IT
Anne Isakson, an enterprise application administrator in the IT Department, embodies dedication and resilience with almost 28 years of service. Her role is crucial to the smooth operation of administrative offices, as she provides essential support for Banner, the student system; and Workday, the finance and HR system.
Joining Emerson after receiving a recruiter’s letter for a programmer analyst position, Isakson was drawn to the institution’s welcoming and friendly atmosphere. Her career trajectory has remained primarily within the IT department; from her programmer analyst position, she transitioned to roles focused on support, system implementations, and security. No matter her job duties, she continues to embrace new challenges and technologies with enthusiasm.
Isakson thinks of Emerson as a place worth returning to, where individuals sometimes leave for new opportunities and are later welcomed back into the Emerson family—a sentiment she affectionately called the “bungee cord phenomenon.”
Isakson’s fondest memory from her time at Emerson is of her 25th-anniversary celebration, which was marked by heartfelt messages and a PDF compilation of well-wishes from colleagues—a testament to the close-knit and collaborative community she cherishes.
Read about Nestor Carranza’s and Anne Doyle’s Emerson journeys in Part 1 of this article.
Bhavana Rao, MA ’25