THE SPOTLIGHT Dr. Karen Weddle West may not have directly chosen a path to become the Vice Provost of Graduate Studies, but after speaking with her, one can easily see why the path chose her.
“One of the most challenging aspects of the job is dealing with disciplinary actions regarding a graduate student,” she said. “I have to implement the policies and procedures but I always tell a student don’t let this stop you from reaching your goals.”
Family Night Tailgate with members of the Adult Student Association.
When students take it upon themselves Being reminded no adversity while matricu- to participate in all Dr. Karen Weddle-West lating at the graduate level is impossible to aspects of their overcome, is important for many adult stu- graduate studies it truly makes Dr. Weddledents. Many graduate students are parents, West excited about her position and being at full-time employees, and overall have some the University of Memphis. obstacles to deal with but Dr. Weddle-West believes adult graduate students can still “I’m a native Memphian and I’ve seen the stay engaged in university life. struggles the university has gone through That passion for learning beams from her as when it was Memphis State,” she said. she completes the daily tasks of her profes- “Many of our graduate students go to school sion. Her position requires her to do a vari- part-time and have families,” she said. “So “To be here today with Provost Ralph ety of tasks including but not limited to to keep them connected to campus we have Faudree and President Dr. Shirley Raines, overseeing all graduate issues and funca Graduate Student Association that host whom I have tremendous respect for and tions, new graduate programs, and approv- different activities.” whom share my excitement for the univering graduate level faculty. Even when caGraduate students are automatically a mem- sity, is wonderful feeling. I’m glad to be reer challenges arise she never forgets to be ber of GSA when they enter the university. here.” an advocate for higher education and stuIn the past, they have planned events like dents. The self-professed life-long learner always wanted to immerse herself in higher education. “I’ve just always loved learning,” WeddleWest said. “I graduated high school in three years, finished my undergraduate degree early, and received my doctoral degree by the age of 25.”
Adult Scholarship Reception “It’s like a home away from home,” are
just a few of the words shared about Adult and Commuter Student Services during an intimate adult scholarship reception on September 7. Several adult scholarship recipients gathered in the UC to discuss their sentiments about receiving the scholarship and how Adult and Commuter Student Services office has made a difference in their academic career.
“This is the first scholarship I have ever gotten,” Samantha Davis said. Davis is an adult student who juggles many tasks including taking care of an adult family member as well as her husband and children. “Being able to go to the center is a big help,” she said. “Before coming to the center I would get home late and I wouldn’t be able to start my homework until midnight.” Dana Diggs, a student studying nursing, also believes the center and scholarship has really contributed to her overall experience at the university.
The Adult Scholarship is designed to help adult students reach their educational goals. The scholarship is $5,500 per year for full-time students and $3,000 per year for part-time students. The process is very selective and this year only 18 recipients were chosen. Many of the students humbly thanked the ACSS staff for providing the opportunity to apply for a scholarship geared towards them. “Life’s just so busy for everybody,” Denise Fort, an adult student and scholarship recipient said. “I just appreciate the office understands this and for giving me this scholarship.”
For more information on the Adult “It feels good to have a place Scholarship Program visit http:// to go,” she said. “I have a memphis.edu/acss/scholarships.php. place to study and I even have a place where I can eat my food.”
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