by Dr. Alicia Caudill
Mark Twain writes, “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born, and the day you find out why.” The concept behind these words led me to my career working in higher education and ultimately to the University of West Georgia. I believe for many of us the experiences we encounter on a university campus lead us to the day we discover our purpose and our passions. The University of West Georgia exudes a vibrancy of this type of exploration and is why I came West. It is my privilege to serve as the associate vice president for student life and dean of students. I’d like to share some of my perspectives from my time “around campus.”
I have had the opportunity to spend a lot of time around campus – at different times of day and night and in many different locations. As I walk to and from meetings or events, I am constantly reminded of how thankful I am to work at the University of West Georgia. In what other career can you attend a speaker, a sporting event, and a concert – sometimes all on the same day – and call it work? Where else can you engage with creative, talented minds as they learn, explore and shape their own university? Every day, students’ lives are changed forever for the better through their experiences at the University of West Georgia.
On a daily basis around campus, I see students socializing in Love Valley. I listen to students engaging in meaningful conversation in Starbucks. I observe students working to solve problems in small groups in the library. I delight in watching students and alumni enjoying coming home to Greek Village. The energy and enthusiasm of this place are powerful! In my position, I have the honor of seeing students at their best. I hear students describe their first significant volunteer experience. I watch students doubt they can manage the demands of their schedule and celebrate with them when they are successful in doing so. I share their excitement when they are elected to leadership positions. I also have the privilege of being with students as they face life’s challenges – the illness of loved ones, the loss of a relationship, and the challenge to think differently about something.
I came West because the university cares for students as individuals as we seek to provide opportunities our students could not even imagine and as we strive to help them answer questions they don’t even know they have. Every student comes to West Georgia with a story and there is a welcoming home here for each one. I came to the University of West Georgia to be part of something bigger than myself. I came to make a difference and to let the university change me for the better. This is a special place. You only have to walk around campus and greet a student to see why.
Alicia Caudill, Ph.D. is the associate vice president for student life and dean of students.
