Get to know: Derricka Clyburn

Derricka Clyburn is one of the many vibrant, cheerful faces you see behind the mail counter at Mail and Package Services. She is passionate about helping students understand mail and continuously improving her department from the inside out. She’s also a UNC Charlotte alumna (class of 2015).

How long you’ve been with the University?
I have been with UNC Charlotte since 2011. I transferred in as a sophomore from Fayetteville State University at that time. I loved FSU, but I knew that UNC Charlotte was the place for me as soon as I stepped on campus. I started looking for a work study job after being here a few weeks and ended up in the mailroom. I’ve been there ever since! I went on to graduate in 2015 with a degree in marketing.

What positions have you had while working for Mail and Package Services?
In my time at Mail and Package Services, I have been a work study mail clerk, a mail clerk, and now I am currently a support services associate.

Derricka Clyburn, support services associate in Mail and Package Services

What does your workday look like?
I assist with the package pick-up window, which is the main window that students come to to retrieve their packages. I also help with mailing. You’d be surprised at how many students do not know how to properly address an envelope or even know their campus address. I’m there to make sure they send their mail and packages correctly and that they are providing their loved ones with their correct address. I also support our student employees by creating their schedules and training them on new procedures. Our work study students work alongside us all year, so I love meeting with them to get student feedback on our mailroom and how we can make our department and procedures better. Additionally, I’m assisting with the new MPS Smart Locker install and logistics. We’re excited to unveil them later this year.

What makes you passionate about working in Mail and Package Services?
The students make me passionate about my job. UNC Charlotte is my alma mater and being able to work here—so closely to the students— just brings me joy. I love being on campus every day and seeing the students grow.

What is one thing people may not know about your job?
Many people don’t know that there is quite a process to running and managing the mailroom. A lot of people believe that they will get their packages as soon as they come in, but we actually have to process them through our system first. Each package has to be scanned and then inputted into our tracking system. Then they have to be scanned again and organized on our mailroom shelves. After that, the packages are synced and emails are generated to the students. During peak season, like the beginning of the semester when we receive thousands of packages a day, it may take a couple of hours to move through this process. During off peak, it may only take 20-30 minutes.

What is your favorite memory from UNC Charlotte – either as a student or an employee?
My favorite memory is when Kendrick Lamar performed in 2013. He is one of my favorite artists, and it was cool that I was able to see him in person because my school made it possible. I stood in line for two hours waiting for them to open the doors, but it was worth it because my friend and I were able to get right up front!

What kind of hobbies do you have outside of work?
I enjoy shopping, finding great restaurants (like Killingtons in Huntersville) and going to the movies. I am a sucker for a movie with a lot of action and a great storyline. My ultimate favorites are the Marvel movies.

What is something interesting about you?
I am a newlywed. My husband and I just celebrated our one-year anniversary. We have been together since high school, and I must say that I love being a wife!

What is something you’re excited about for your job?
I am excited to see the students use and react to our new MPS Smart Locker system. I believe that it will not only make my job easier, but will also allow students to pick up packages in a more timely and convenient manner.

Interview: Robin Sutton
Photography: NiCole Lynch