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Where are they now? Justin “Jay” Guillory MEd in Educational Leadership, concentration in Student Personnel Leadership Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis Year of Graduation: 2020
What is your current position and/or research? My current position is Interim Assistant Director of the Mary V. Jordan Multicultural Center. My current research interest is the impact of summer bridge programs on underrepresented students’ persistence, retention, and graduation rate.
What does this position/research entail? Why did you choose ETSU for your education? Originally, I was looking at ETSU for their Master of Arts in History. The staff in the history department are more diverse compared to the department I received my undergraduate degree from. When I finally figured out my career path was student affairs, I begin to look into the student personnel program (now higher education leadership) at ETSU, and it was a great fit for me. What solidified the decision for me was being offered a graduate assistantship in the Mary V. Jordan Multicultural Center by then Director Carshonda Martin.
In this position, I am responsible for the center access programs (B.U.C.S Academy, QUEST for Success, and Discover ETSU) while also being responsible for the leadership development of our student leaders. I also help with the day-to-day operations of the Multicultural Center.
How did your time at ETSU prepare you for this career? My time at ETSU prepared me for my career because my graduate assistantship advisor allowed me to have a seat at the table when it came to planning programs. Experience with program planning allowed me to be better prepared when taking on my coordinator role and now interim assistant director role.
What advice would you offer current or future graduate students? The road is sometimes rough. But it’s important to take care of yourself! Self-care is the best care! Also, lean on your cohort members. They are here to support you just as much as faculty members are.
Anything else you would like to add? GO BUCS! 35
