Lander University psychology major Jordon Harsey has been on a roll, making the president’s list the last two semesters.
She also works three jobs on campus — one at the Jackson Library, one at the Office of Enrollment Management, and one at the Academic Success Center (ASC).
Harsey, of Lexington, is one of four peer academic coaches employed by the ASC.
“As a peer academic coach, I help students with organizational skills, time-management skills, study skills, note-taking, and offer personal advice for navigating college life. I also connect students to certain resources on campus, depending on their needs, such as the Wellness Center and tutoring. I kind of serve as a ‘friendly face’ on campus for students that I meet with, especially freshmen who are still settling in,” she said.
When Harsey is not meeting with students, she works with others in the academic coaching program to design advertising materials, create student workshops and brainstorm ideas to help with student engagement, according to Abby Pilgrim, tutoring and supplemental instruction coordinator for the ASC.
“We are happy to have Jordon as an academic coach and feel that she is very deserving of recognition,” she said.
Along with her major in psychology, Harsey is minoring in human services and healthcare management. After earning a doctorate in clinical psychology, she would like to work as a health psychologist.
She knows that psychology is the right path for her, she said, “because I am always interested in my classes.” A class that she particularly enjoyed, despite the difficulties associated with learning in the midst of a pandemic, was Quantitative and Research Skills, taught by Assistant Professor of Psychology Dr. Shana Southard-Dobbs.
“She is an incredible professor who cares about each of her students individually, and her teaching led me to the opportunity to tutor and then to become an academic coach. She also has taken the time to introduce me to other faculty members within the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences and keeps us with me, although I am no longer in her class.”
Southard-Dobbs said that “Jordon’s inquisitiveness, keen insight, and deep engagement in the learning process were a bright spot in a dark time. I’m proud to see Jordon sharing her wisdom with her fellow Lander students, and I know her thoughtful and reflective approach to her work will serve her well in her future endeavors.”