Supporting Success: Nancy Hale’s 30+ Years of Student Guidance at SJVC in Fresno

If you are a student at SJVC in Fresno and are interested in or in need of campus support services, or academic tutoring, you will want to visit Nancy Hale in the campus Learning Resource Center. Her sole focus as Learning Resource Coordinator is to provide students with a wide scope of directional/resource information and support, as well as a comfortable space to study, research or engage in study groups.

Nancy is very familiar with the rigors of student life. She graduated from SJVC’s Administrative Medical/Dental Assisting (AMDA) program in 1990 with a certificate…and a strong desire to teach. Within a year she was an instructor for that same program, then in the Clinical and Administrative Medical Assisting (CAMA) program. Through the years a variety of roles have allowed Nancy to focus on what she most values: student support and success.

What do you consider your primary role?

I connect with students even before they start school, assisting them with completing their online orientation. And I’m here for them until they finish their program – and sometimes, at the urging of Career Services, calling them after they’ve completed their program to see if they’re working or need additional help finding a position.

My various roles on campus as an instructor, bookkeeper, Career Services Advisor and Dean of Student services have provided me with a unique skillset and perspective of every facet of a student’s journey.

What does the Learning Resource Center (LRC) give SJVC students?

We support students with anything they need, be it on an academic level or personal assistance, by directing them to the appropriate department, person or resource.

I assist students with questions such as how to navigate the computer for research. It is a quiet place to study, research, do homework, or study with other students. Two days a week I’m here until 7:00 PM to help both day and evening students.

What is your favorite part of this position?

Watching students achieve their goals, change their life trajectories and celebrate their successes. I take pride in the Student Center and love being able to provide a welcoming space to all visitors.

How has SJVC grown since you’ve worked there?

We were three campuses when I started (Visalia, Fresno and Bakersfield) in 1991, and I was one of the first 100 employees hired by then Campus President, Mike Perry (son of founders Bob and Shirley Perry). We are now part of a large network of campuses (San Joaquin Valley College and Carrington College) and continue to impact thousands of lives.

What are some of the major changes you have seen over these 30+ years?

The college remains steadfast to its vision and Mission Statement to serve students, employees and our communities by providing quality education and an environment of positive support and growth. There have been many changes to keep up with technology and the times, but our purpose remains the same.

When I first came to SJVC we had a Typetronics lab where students used IBM Selectric typewriters; eventually moving to early computers with floppy discs. Now it’s iPads and laptops with online components to support student education. We have online tools and a database of resources for research projects.

How does it feel to look back at SJVC’s growth?

From my perspective we’ve always worked together as a team to support students. We have a mindset that always puts the students and graduates first.

If we had a student who needed help with something, we would all jump in to help.

What do you enjoy most about your position and reflecting back?

Over the years working with different coworkers was really great. And, together, watching students go through their programs and seeing them succeed is very fulfilling.

Are students any different from over 30 years ago?

They still come in nervous and still leave with a lot more confidence. They’re still looking for a change in their lives, and we’re still trying to give that to them.

What keeps you coming to work every morning?

The family atmosphere and the variety of positions I have had the opportunity to hold has given me the same experience as if I’d taken a half dozen other jobs elsewhere. I’ve had them all right here.

How does it stay new for you?

Students start school and they’re gone within 9-18 months, and another group is right behind them. My job starts all over again every 5 weeks with a new group of students. It’s never stagnant.

What does your future lo ok like?

I don’t see retirement in the near future. As long as I’m valid, relevant, I’d like to be here. I have zero stress, and not many people can say that.

I walked into SJVC, and I loved it so much I never wanted to be anywhere else. The opportunities I’ve been given to contribute in so many ways, keep my job fresh and refocused on helping students just like SJVC helped me.