Finding Greatness: Devereaux Lindsey

Author: News Bureau
Posted: Tuesday, May 29, 2018 12:00 AM
Category: Pressroom

Macon, GA

As a campus coordinator for student services, Devereaux Lindsey helps MGA students have rich experiences outside of the classroom.

Full Name: Devereaux Amber Lindsey.

Title: Student Services Coordinator, Macon Campus.

Degrees:

• Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from Middle Georgia State University, 2013

• Master of Public Administration from Columbus State University, 2016

• Graduate Certificate in Technical Writing & Digital Communication from Middle Georgia State University (in progress)

Describe your service to Middle Georgia State University and the community at large.

"I started working at Middle Georgia State University in the Office of the Provost. I was there for some time, assisting the administration with daily tasks, and particularly with student appeals. I enjoyed working in the provost’s office and felt rewarded whenever I could help students going through difficult times. However, an opportunity opened in the Office of Student Life and I knew it was my calling. From August 2016 to the first week of May 2018, I served as the student life coordinator for the Warner Robins Campus. I planned events, service opportunities, trips, and on-campus activities to get students engaged outside of the classroom. From the first week of May 2018 to now, I have transitioned again and now serve as the student life coordinator for the Macon Campus. I will take all of the creativity and dedication I had in Warner Robins and unleash it on the Macon Campus."

What attracted you to a staff position at Middle Georgia State University?

"I started my undergraduate career with MGA in 2009 and took advantage of the student assistant program in 2010. I was a student assistant (again, for the Office of the Provost) for a couple years. As a student employee, I was able to study how higher education functioned at various levels of administration. This time also helped me to become familiar with many offices and services that other students may not have realized were available. Soon after graduation is when I entered into the Office of the Provost full time. What attracted me to each position that I’ve held is not only how committed staff are to students, but also to each other. Working at Middle Georgia State University is for people who have high standards of customer service, passion, and professionalism. I feel, and felt then, that this describes me perfectly."

What do you like best about working at Middle Georgia State?

"With my role at MGA, I interact with students on a daily basis. While I love getting to bring fun and exciting things to campus, the best part of my job is when I plan something for students that they would have never tried on their own. A good day for me is when I hear something like 'I always wanted to go to the zoo, I’m glad I could go with student life,' or, 'I’ve never seen a live magic show, that was a great experience,' or my favorite, 'I was excited for Constitution Day, BUT THEN I heard the Hamilton soundtrack playing. BEST EVENT EVER.'"

In your opinion, what does it take for students to be successful these days?

"I think for students to be successful at Middle Georgia State University they need to be well-rounded. Of course they need to make sure their academics are in good health, but this is only the foundation of a fulfilling college experience. Students should also take advantage of the activities and services offered on campus. These events are often designed to target critical development tools such as leadership and life skills, health and wellness, service learning, community building, culture and diversity, scholarship, and family orientation. Make sure your grades are healthy, then make connections with your faculty and staff, attend a free conference and gain leadership skills, come get a caricature made and meet students you would never have talked to otherwise, donate canned goods and be entered to win a prize. If you do even one of these things just once in your entire time at Middle Georgia State University, you will increase your chances of being a successful graduate."

What would students be surprised to learn about you?

"I studied abroad (with Middle Georgia State University) when I was 18 years old. I had a dorm in London, but while there I was also able to see Scotland, Paris, and Germany. There is a whole wide world out there and I was able to see part of it because I chose to get involved."