I’m in the dollar store just now. Black woman screams “Ok suit” from across the way. At that moment knew I was killin em in this suit. I may wear it until its time to shower and go to bed.
Students who were forced to be resilient their whole lives don’t need another conversation about grit. They need resources, guidance, sponsorship, advocacy….etc.
17 composite. Enrolled in developmental Reading and English as a freshman. 16 years later:
Associates Degree
B.S - Exercise Science
M.S - Exercise Science
Ed.S - Higher Education Admin
Ph.D - Higher Education Admin
Work hard to do well - but don’t let that score define you!
Many of our “at risk” students don’t need lectures on grit. They need access to appropriate resources and support! They’ve been getting it out the mud for a long time - lets see how they perform when they are well resourced.
Everyone isn’t built to just “roll with the punches” life throws. Give grace. Give more grace than you typically would. It’s needed!
By the way - nobody is immune to a knockout blow. You don’t have to be tough all the time. Give yourself grace too!
It was a very wholesome/friendly “ok suit” 😂. No picture this time - but my suit game is simple simple. Just got a good tailor. Oh - And I probably have it on in one of my instagram photos.
Team Girl for the win. Morgan Olivia Willis made her grand entrance at 3:33 this morning. Mommy and our baby girl are doing great. My heart is stolen once more and these pockets will continue to suffer. Lol.
No epidural needed for Miran. Her level of focus was amazing!
#Willis5
Not sure who this is for (might be myself 😂), but your cutoff game might be too strong. Give folks grace. Have a conversation. Maybe the benefit of the doubt before you sever ties with them or never give the relationship/friendship a chance.
It’s okay to say “This is not my expertise, but I can refer you to someone with more knowledge on the subject”.
This can save time and your reputation.
Started off as 18 year old-kids. You took me with my baggy jeans and over-sized patterned shirts (Lordt)! But now you got me in tailored suits! 😂
17 total years and 12 of those married. It’s a grind y’all... but it’s worth it! Happy Anniversary my love!
Happy Anniversary to my love! At the age of 18 I would have never thought I would have found my wife (3rd day of classes at that!). 16 years later and we’re still rockin (11 married). It’s not always easy, but always worth it! Yes - that first pic was typical attire 😂
I found peace when I stopped attaching an age to my goals. We’re so fixated on achieving this before 25 or that before 30 that we’re losing sleep, comparing ourselves to others, and doubting ourselves when we fall short.
Run YOUR race. Define success for YOU! Set your pace!
I go home and play a little Call of Duty on my lunch break. A kid is on my team.
Me. “Why ain’t you at school!?
Him. “Why ain’t your old a** at work?
Me/Him
My kids just tried to throw away a perfectly good lunch box...flour station...garbage bag...even a shower cap if you tie it right.
Heavy sigh. Who am I raising... 🤦🏾♂️😂
#bougiekids
My oldest daughter made a powerpoint presentation for her Christmas list this year. Pictures, prices, and links where we can purchase the gifts.
Just take the card baby girl. 😂
Student calls: “Dr. Willis, I sent you an email - can you get back to me?”
Me: I’m sorry I missed it - when did you send?
Student: About an hour ago
Me:
Real question. Has anyone considered what makes students want to read the syllabus? Has anyone had success with this?
All I see is “students don’t read the syllabus” but why? Is it something worth figuring out?
Students across the country. I’m not sure of your take on the vaccine - but hear me out. Your Fall semester and taste of normalcy are possibly fading away right in front of your eyes. Covid is not done. Do your vaccine research and relax on the crazy myths.
Of course - my kids gave me a bday hat... and I had to wear it. 😂
35 years on this earth. Woke up to a beautiful wife, awesome kids, and I’m Dean to the BEST student body in the world! I hope y’all still love me even no class cancellations for tomorrow’s game😂
#beatNicholls
Honored to welcome
@VCU
's new dean of student advocacy, Dr. Gabe Willis (
@drgabewillis
). Dr. Willis brings nearly 15 yrs of experience in higher ed, including student engagement expertise. I look forward to collaborating to ensure all of our students realize their full potential!
Students! Never apologize for reaching out to me through DM. It’s literally why I spend so much time here. It’s natural for you to pick up your phone, open twitter/instagram and send a message.
Access is important - especially in times of crisis.
Today, I told my kids to drink out the hose pipe outside. They responded “ewww, nasty”. That let me know that I’ll likely get a call one day that my kids got beat up in school. 🤦🏾♂️
#bougiekids
I’m supposed to be on a SM break (sorry Kindred) but I had to update y’all. Morgan Olivia has daddy wrapped around her little finger already. 😍😍
Alright - back to the break. Lol
#Daddysgirl
#mysecondboo
While on our ZOOM call with about 40 participants - it was hacked and berated with racial slurs. Can't explain the emotions I'm feeling at the moment.
#tired
Let’s be honest. You want the social media version of that persons relationship.... not the everyday grind of communicating through problems, being ready to knock their head off 😂, frustrations, shortcomings; etc.
If you posted great grades, I’m proud of you.
Didn’t post your grades because you weren’t happy with them, I’m proud of you.
If you dropped a few classes… still proud of you.
Withdrew completely. Yep - still proud of you.
This semester was crazy!
Now, back to my vacation
Ran into a student who withdrew a few semesters ago due to some mental health challenges.
Student: I’m back, doc. Last few classes!
Me: Enough said. Lets get it.
There’s a side of higher ed that’s just not pretty. These are the small wins needed that help us persist.
Lots of relaxation on this 37th birthday. Sweats, J’s, and a moment to reflect. Great family, Great friends, Great career.
I’m a firm believer that I’m always in my prime years! LFG!
#HappyBirthdayToMe
I only have about 4 hours of professionalism in me today! After that... turn me up! (Slightly) lol
Seriously - Here’s to year 36! I’m blessed to have a great family, awesome friends, and the BEST job in the country with the BEST students!
#birthdaymood
Woke up to a breakfast menu and the table all set by our oldest daughter (my
#1
boo). Check out our expensive dishes that I told y’all about. Oh.... and only one type of bacon. REGULAR 😂
Confidence is attractive. Professionally and personally. Know what you bring to the table and own it. Stop selling yourself short and stop letting people (and jobs) play with you.
You deserve the table in front of you because it was earned!
New job - earned!
Admitted to college - earned!
Internship opportunity - earned!
Project lead - earned!
Dissertation defense - earned!
Forget imposter syndrome! You earned that seat at the table. Act like it!
Kissing my wife and kids before heading to the gym was a bit different today. The simple things we take for granted can be taken in an instant.
#RIPMamba
We’re 30 minutes late for date night - but my daughter insisted on helping mama get dressed and bringing her out. Worth the wait? I think so! Sheesh! 😍😍
#Keepdating
I did my Ph.D. as an entry level professional. I honestly couldn’t imagine taking on that and a Director level role.
Young(er) folks. If you know you want that terminal degree - go get it now.
(A brief thread)
One things for certain and two things for sure. My students don’t play about me and I don’t play about them.
We will regroup and take care of business.
#LionUp
To not know a person personally does not void the type of impact they can have on your life. Mamba mentality was not only for sports. I took that personally and applied it to my profession. Kobe reminded us to value preparation and have the will to perfect your craft.
#RIPMAMBA
I’m seeing a lot of parents with 20 something year olds saying “My child would never…. They make better decisions”
Ma’am. Sir. As a College Administrator let me tell you. Yes your 20 year-old will and yes they DO! All of the above that you think they won’t.
#ShacarriRichardson
Again - a University closure means assignments can’t be due. Don’t stress yourselves at this time. Go be safe.
If you have concerns please communicate those directly to your faculty or the Department Head. Remember, the policy is somewhat new and some faculty may not know.
Monday message. Check on your:
Strong friends
Silent friends
Angry Friends
Clingy friends
Distant friends
Emotional friends
Friends you fell out with
In general, be mindful of those around you. Realize we are all facing internal battles and need support!
#MondayMotivation
Person on the left just moved to Hammond. Trying to finish a doctorate. Teaching and advising (SE 101). Real rough around the edges. Would still fight a little. 😂
Person on the right. Dean of Students. Still rough around the edges with a little tact. Still might fight. 😂 jk
I won’t go out to eat (twice) with people who:
1. Don’t tip properly
2. Find an issue with EVERYTHING
You have one time to cut up while out to eat with me. Lol
Missed tweeting everyday, but I’ve been busy rationing out my kisses.
My first boo (Madison), asks me everyday “How many kisses did Morgan (second boo) get while I was at school?” She makes sure I catch her up by the end of the day. Mommy and Noah get theirs too! 😍😂
#Family
Saw a story this morning about healthcare workers on the front line. Here’s my wife. A Nurse Practitioner. On the front line. Doing the work.
Kisses before heading to work hit a little different these days.
Shout out to everyone on the frontline.
#Leadership
#COVID19
#prayers
Took me 5 years of dating and 11 years of marriage to learn to just sit on the couch and wait patiently while my wife gets dressed for a night out. Dont breath in heavy or close cabinets hard. Just sit down and wait. 😔
#patienthusband