At Peirce College, we not only like to celebrate our students' successes, but also our employees' successes. Dr. Rita Toliver-Roberts, Vice President of Academic Advancement, recently celebrated her 20th year with Peirce College. She has held multiple positions during her time at the College and has been an essential component of the growth, development, and achievement of students, faculty, and staff. We asked Dr. Toliver-Roberts a few questions about her time so far at Peirce:
Dr. Toliver-Roberts, please tell us about your personal Peirce
College history.
I came
to Peirce as an opportunity to give back. As a first-generation undergraduate
student, I was successful because of the dedicated staff and faculty who were
invested in students’ success and so, I wanted to be part of a community that wanted
to make a difference.
I started
at Peirce as an academic counselor/advisor in the Success Center. This center
supported at risk students and was supported (in addition to the College) by
two grant programs, Act 101 and Student Support Services. During my tenure, I
have held the position of Act101 Counselor (academic advisor); Manager, WCAE;
Assistant Dean of Students; Dean of Students; and Vice President of Academic
Advancement.
What
has kept you at the College for all these years?
There are three points that come
immediately to mind,
- I genuinely appreciate the people I work with. Peirce employees are hardworking, dedicated individuals who are committed to achieving the mission.
- Peirce’s work-life balance culture – as a young professional and for a time, a new parent, Peirce made it possible for me to balance my priorities at work and home without compromise.
- Peirce’s work hard/play hard environment. The community pulls together to achieve goals but then takes pause to celebrate achievements and one another.
Offering graduate education—this was such a wonderful milestone and historic moment for Peirce College. Furthermore, witnessing our first students graduates from our Master of Science in Organizational Leadership & Management (MSOLM) program [in 2015].
Additionally, I am proud that I worked under the leadership of great leaders and mentors, Dr. Patricia
Rucker and James Mergiotti.
What advice do you have for students who are looking to find a career, not just a job?
The importance of having a strong work ethic should not be underrated.
Your work ethic is basically your professional character and it tells the story
about what you will do (or not do) with your skills, experience, and abilities.
Let your professional story be positive and promotable and speak for you.
