Staff Spotlight: Kevin Norwood

Kevin Norwood
Senior Service Desk Support Tech, ITS

Photo of Kevin Norwood

How long have you been at LMU?
9 years

What is your favorite movie?
It's a tie between Star Trek: First Contact and Dreamgirls.

What was the name of the last book you read?
Too Much And Never Enough by Mary Trump

If you were stuck on an island, name three items you would want to bring?
My laptop which would contain digital copies of my favorite music and movies, sufficient batteries and a solar battery charger!

If you had to eat one meal, every day, for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Pad Thai

Name your favorite place in the world.
Los Angeles, CA - it's the center of the world for me!  Las Vegas is my second favorite place.

What would be the title of your autobiography and why?
Norwood Country.  The name refers to so many things - the way I look at the world through my own lens.  It's also the name of the country album I've always wanted to make - although there'd be a lot of Motown influences as well.  The first songs of mine used on TV were country-flavored. Nothing is 100% of one thing - so many things are combined to give me a distinct flavor.

When you are away from work, what is your favorite thing to do?
I'm a sci-fi geek, as you can tell from the picture of me on the Enterprise bridge.  I love watching sci-fi movies and TV shows. I'm also a huge music fan.  Maybe I should work on a sci-fi musical?!

Photo of Kevin Norwood

If you could enjoy dinner and conversation with anyone in history, who would it be and why?
I would have to say dinner with Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records.  He helped mold talented teenagers into superstar acts such as Diana Ross & The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, The Jackson 5 just to name a few.  Not only did he help establish these performers, but he nurtured incredible songwriters and producers whose music is still impactful decades later.

Before working at LMU, what was the most unusual or interesting job you have had?
I worked at the American Song Festival.  It was a songwriting competition.  Through the ASF, I got to travel to Nashville, pitch my original songs to producers, (had a couple used in TV shows), work on music videos, go in the recording studio, meet top performers, and write magazine articles, attend concerts. I even had the chance to radio interviews!  I loved it.  Too bad the company went under.

Tell us something interesting about yourself that others may not know.
I have my SAG/AFTRA card as an actor and am affiliated with BMI as a songwriter.  I'm mentioned in the "Special Thanks" section on the Diana Ross deluxe edition of her diana album and on both of the 70's Supremes box sets.  

Where is your favorite spot on LMU's campus and why?
The benches on the Bluff.  As a student, I would go there to unwind.  I find myself doing the same thing as a staff member.  The view from the Bluff is so amazing.  I can relax and become rejuvenated in a just a few minutes.  The stress just melts away! 

What has been your proudest moment since you have been at LMU?
My friend Janet Lee and I shared the "ITS Employee Of The Year" award a few years ago.  The really surprised me as I didn't expect it.  

What is the most important thing you have learned since joining LMU?
I have learned how blessed we are at LMU. We have a beautiful campus and I've had the chance to work with a lot of great people.  I haven't had to deal with the yellers and screamers that I encountered when I worked at the movie studios.  For this, I will always be thankful.

What do you enjoy most about your role at the University?
At the Service Desk, I get to interact with everyone - faculty, staff, students and parents.  I get to help them and I get to learn from them as well.  LMU is truly a learning environment.


Thank you for participating in our Staff Spotlight series, Kevin!

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