Director of Student Advocacy Teresa Williams describes her position as “helping students in any way they need help whether it’s walking them through difficult processes, trying to resolve issues or providing academic coaching and advising.”
She sums it up as: “basically meeting the student’s needs, whatever they are.”
Her job is to help students meet their full potential while at Lipscomb. But she also knows that a lot of students aren’t aware that this kind of help is available.
In a nutshell, her position allows her to be a liaison between students and faculty to ensure the student’s feelings, issues and opportunities are addressed properly and in a timely manner.
Williams says the most important thing she can do for students is to help them get past that “thing” they believe is insurmountable.
She says she seeks to relieve stress and to help students enjoy the learning process.
During her nine years at Lipscomb, she has spent a lot of time in the academic office working with probationary students, addressing problems and helping them get back on the right track.
When the Director of Student Advocacy position became available five years ago, she said it fit ther passions.
Her role includes issues ranging from financial counseling for tuition to helping students understand policies in particular classes or possibly mediate between students and faculty if they truly don’t understand each other.
The hoped-for result is to promote an environment in which students and faculty can thrive, learn and teach without hiccups.
Williams wants students to know that working with them is her favorite part of the job.
“It’s hard to know where to go, or what to do,” she said. “I’m not afraid to make a phone call.”
Williams is available through email, phone and office visits.