Walter Flaschka
Walter Flaschka, a network administrator in the Center for Intelligence and Security Studies who will be an instructor this spring, has been chosen as January’s Staff Member of the Month. To help us get to know him better, he answered a few questions for Inside Ole Miss.
IOM: How long have you worked at Ole Miss?
Flaschka: Since January 2009
IOM: What is your hometown?
Flaschka: Tucson, Arizona
IOM: What is your favorite Ole Miss memory?
Flaschka: Shortly after joining the university, when I was still wondering how I’d fit into the Ole Miss culture, the Center for Intelligence and Security Studies had its ribbon-cutting ceremony. Luminaries like Chancellor Robert Khayat and U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker were about to arrive and give speeches in front of the building. During preparations, I looked up and saw a confused, terrified squirrel hanging off the building’s portico, right above the podium. I don’t know how he got there, but I have pictures. I could just imagine that squirrel landing on our distinguished guests right in the middle of a speech. The ribbon-cutting is still, in my mind, a blend of pomp, circumstance and absurdity. By the time the squirrel fell off the building and landed on my sports coat (which I held out for him), I realized I’d probably fit into the Ole Miss culture rather well.
IOM: What do you enjoy most about your position or the department in which you work?
Flaschka: Our students! They aim themselves at some of the most challenging and important public-service careers possible. I wish I’d had their drive when I was in college. These students would have lapped me like I was standing still. It’s depressing and inspiring at the same time.
IOM: What do you like to do when you are not at work?
Flaschka: When not at work, I’m a competitive coach at the Oxford Fencers Club. Lately I’ve had great fun playing “Minecraft” with my three children.
IOM: What is one thing on your bucket list?
Flaschka: I’m about to start doing it: I’ve always wanted to teach at a university! This spring, I’m teaching a criminal justice course on intelligence analysis software for law enforcement, and it will be much more exciting than it probably sounds.
IOM: What is your favorite movie?
Flaschka: “The Blind Side,” of course! Or anything that deals with the Ole Miss tradition of Sandra Bullock – I mean, football.
IOM: What is your favorite Ole Miss tradition?
Flaschka: I love the Grove on game days, and my favorite annual tradition is the staff appreciation luncheon.
IOM: What is a fun fact about you?
Flaschka: I write obscure science fiction novels, and I have a title coming out this year on the world’s smallest indie imprint. Don’t even look for it.
To nominate a colleague for the Staff Member of the Month, email staffcouncil@olemiss.edu with the name of the individual you’d like to nominate as well as why you feel he or she should be recognized.