Macon State College MVPs is a web feature that profiles notable students, alumni, faculty and staff.

Job Title: Director, Student Support Services Program, and coordinator, Minority Advising Program.

Degrees: Bachelor of arts in English and master of science in guidance & counseling from Fort Valley State University.

Year she joined the Macon State staff: 2005.

What she does on the job: “Student Support Services at Macon State is a grant-funded program designed to increase the retention and graduation rates of eligible students that are identified as first-generation college students or students with documented disabilities. We serve 180 eligible students each year. As the director of this program, my job is to work one-on-one with these students to assist them in obtaining their bachelor’s degrees. In order to do this, the Student Support Services Program offers eligible students access to academic success skills workshops, personal development workshops, academic guidance, assistance in career exploration, exposure to cultural experiences, peer tutoring/mentoring and professional tutoring. As the coordinator of the Minority Advising Program, my job responsibilities are to promote academic success and retention of minority students by supplementing regular advising activities and by providing other services to meet student needs. MAP enhances the basic support system for students. The program provides a range of services primarily to freshmen and sophomores but is open to any other minority student seeking its services. MAP aims to reinforce regular academic advising activities, address students’ academic and non-academic needs, and facilitate special individualized assistance for academically at-risk students. MAP offers peer counseling, access to appropriate and effective tutoring, help in identifying financial aid sources, and access to, and facilitation of, career counseling.”

One thing people don’t know about Macon State is … “There are many opportunities for ALL students to become involved and connected to Macon State. At Macon State, students are more than just a number. Macon State has a caring and supportive group of faculty and staff members dedicated to the academic success, professional development and personal growth of students. “

One thing people don’t know about her is … “One of the things on my ‘Bucket List’ is to write and publish a novel.”

In her spare time she likes to … “Read, write and spend time with my family.”

The one person she’d most like to meet is … “Thurgood Marshall. I would like to meet him to say thank you for having the courage to take the lead as the attorney in the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas, which led the Supreme Court to unanimously agree that segregation in public schools is unconstitutional. Marshall’s courage has had a profound impact on the educational system.”

What she likes best about working at Macon State is … “The opportunity to work with a diverse group of faculty, staff and students. Also, knowing that I am capable of impacting the next generation is a responsibility that I don’t take lightly. Working at Macon State, I’m constantly reminded that ‘For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.’ Always remembering this is what I like best about working at Macon State because I have the opportunity to unselfishly give to students that which was given to me.”