Staff Profile: Dana Nagengast

Dana Nagengast has been at Harvey Mudd for seven years. In her role as assistant vice president and chief human resources officer, she leads the Office of Human Resources for the College, supporting faculty, staff and student employees. This includes oversight for core HR areas, including recruitment, compensation, benefits, performance management, employee relations, HRIS, Payroll, HR communications, training and development and HR events. She also co-leads safety and emergency preparedness and, this year, serves as chair of the Claremont Colleges’ Human Resources Committee. Find out more about Nagengast, including her thoughts on how to improve the employee experience on campus, what she’s reading and more in this Q-and-A.

What is your favorite part about your job and why?

Over the past two years, I’ve especially enjoyed creating opportunities for staff to connect through a variety of HR-sponsored learning, recognition and social events. Seeing colleagues build relationships, learn from one another, and feel more connected to the community has been incredibly rewarding. Knowing that I can help create a positive and meaningful employee experience is something I deeply value and one of the reasons I love this work.

What is something people don’t understand about your job that you wish they did?

I think many people see HR as the place you go when there’s a problem, or as the office you contact when something has gone wrong. In reality, the best work we do is often invisible. It involves building relationships, supporting leaders, strengthening culture and creating an environment where people can thrive. When HR is most successful, people don’t necessarily notice us. What they notice is a healthy culture, effective leadership and an institution that is able to achieve its mission through its people.

If you could swap jobs with any other HMC employee for a day, who would it be and why?

I’d love to be HMC’s photographer for a day. It would give me an excuse to explore every part of campus, meet new people and capture the moments that showcase the spirit of our community. I think it would be a wonderful way to see Harvey Mudd from a completely different perspective while preserving the memories that make this place so special.

If you could add anything to campus to improve the employee experience, what would it be?

I’d create a traveling “Joyful Cart” that randomly appears around campus with coffee, treats, gratitude notes and small surprises. It would be a fun way to brighten someone’s day and create moments of connection across the community.

What’s your favorite food/dish in the Hoch-Shanahan Dining Hall?

I love a good salad with berries, oranges, grilled chicken and cilantro dressing. But if chile rellenos are on the menu, all bets are off.

What HMC events have made you feel really connected to other HMC colleagues?

Every event leaves me feeling more connected. I try to embrace every opportunity to come together because I’ve learned that it’s often the little moments, an unexpected conversation, a new connection or a chance encounter with a colleague that can have the greatest impact on our day. I cherish those opportunities to connect with both new and familiar members of the HMC community.

What is your favorite hobby, activity or creative outlet?

Traveling sparks my creativity in countless ways. It expands my perspective, fuels my curiosity and reminds me that some of the best ideas come from stepping outside of the familiar. My most memorable trip was Switzerland!

What is the best piece of advice someone has given you, either in life or at work?

The best advice I’ve received is that relationships matter. Human connection is something we all seek. We all want to feel seen, heard and valued. That simple truth has shaped the way I lead, communicate and support others both in life and at work.

What is your most effective strategy for dealing with stress?

A combination of lifting weights and floating in my pool.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and how would you use it at work?

I’d be a fairy godmother. I’d use my magic to spread kindness, create opportunities and provide unexpected support to people when they need it most. There’s something powerful about helping people see possibilities they may not have seen for themselves and creating positive transformations, sometimes through the smallest acts of encouragement, connection or help when it’s needed most.

Are you studying or learning something new?

I’m currently completing a Dare to Lead certification program by Brené Brown. It’s challenging me in many ways, and I love that it is encouraging me to think differently, lean into vulnerability and continue growing in ways that make me a better leader and colleague.

What book or podcast are you enjoying right now?

Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara.

What’s a fun fact about you?

I’m a first-time grandma, and my nine-month-old granddaughter, Sophia, lives in Bainbridge, Washington. I FaceTime her almost every day. She is pure joy and a constant reminder of what truly matters.