Talking Stick - March/April 2019 - 64

SNAPSHOT

PRISCILLA WILLIAMS
"Entry-level professionals need to receive diverse training that addresses
the needs of today's students . . ."
What's the biggest issue for the students on your campus right now?
At Savannah State, the biggest issue is students' ability to cover all of their educational expenses. It is disappointing
when students have to either move off campus or return to their home city due to lack of funding to cover all the
expenses for tuition, fees, and room and board.

What's the biggest issue you see facing the profession right now?
Entry-level professionals need to receive diverse training that addresses the needs of today's students who are
pursuing a higher education degree. We are meeting students who deal with situations that are beyond their
control and come to school as a safe haven.

What makes your campus unique?
Savannah State University's historic campus is beautiful. We live and work among lovely palm trees, historical
and new buildings, and a breathtaking view of the saltwater marsh. The breathtaking backdrop makes walks
to classes and offices a visual pleasure.

What are your favorite campus traditions?
Attending and working at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) allows you to be engulfed in
the customs and rituals immediately as you drive on to the campus. My top three campus traditions are
these: Graduation - the graduates come in at the beginning of the ceremony, and, at the closing, faculty
line up on both sides of the aisle to congratulate the graduates as they leave. Tears of joy and sadness
are continuously flowing. Miss Savannah State University Coronation - after Miss SSU is crowned at the
pageant, she leaves the stage to greet the past queens. The former queens will take the scepter and tap
it on her right and left shoulder as the new queen curtseys before them. Homecoming Fest - this is
where our family reunion begins on the Friday afternoon before Saturday's Homecoming game: the
traditional fish fry, inflatable play objects, alumni Greek stroll-off, low country boil, BBQ, music floating
through the air, and plenty of laughter and conversation. This all takes place in the middle of the campus,
where the Greek plots are located, which is where the majority of the residence halls sit.

What are the most unusual housing or amenity requests you have received?
I know there have been many unusual housing requests over the years, but this is my top one. A father
called and requested an entire floor for his daughter and her staff. She was a princess from another country.
You guessed it . . . we did not accommodate her staff.

What is your favorite move-in story?
It was my first year at this university as a resident director. In walk a set of twins with their parents. I greeted
them with a smile and said, "Welcome to Tiger Country." The resident assistant walked them to their room and
helped them fill out their move-in forms. Later, when the parents were leaving, the mother came to the office
in tears and pleaded: "For 18 years, they were with me, I am giving them to you now. Please take care of them."
I am still close to the twins today. This past fall, one of them brought her daughter for an admissions tour.

What is your favorite parent story?
I hired a student to be a Resident Assistant (RA) just before school was to begin. The student told her
mother all the benefits of being an RA. Baked goods from the mother always returned when the
student went home to visit. The student has since graduated, and I still get baked goods. Yummy!

What motivates you the most in your job?
Seeing the growth in the residents and staff, especially if they are interested in higher education
and especially residence life and housing.
PRISCILLA WILLIAMS is the director of university housing
and residence life at Savannah State University in Georgia.
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