WHO SHE IS
Assistant to the Dean/Student Programs, Graduate School of Social Service (GSS), Fordham Westchester
TIME AT FORDHAM
Three years
WHAT SHE DOES
Phyllis is an academic adviser for students in the master of social work (MSW) program. Her responsibilities include coordinating Learn@Lunch workshops and developing programs to support students’ personal and professional development. She also is responsible for student recruitment.
BACKGROUND
She received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Saint Augustine’s College and a master of social work degree from GSS. She then earned a post-master’s certificate in child and adolescent therapy, also from GSS.
WHY FORDHAM?
“I had a wonderful experience while I was a student, which is the reason I accepted this position. I am a professional social worker (19 years) who wanted to work with MSW students to prepare them for careers in social work. Another reason I like working at Fordham is because of the administrators and faculty, who supported me 100 percent while I was a student.”
STILL STUDYING
“I am pursuing my doctor of education degree in administration and supervision at Fordham’s Graduate School of Education. This was a personal goal after being inspired by my mother, Dr. Jacquelyn H. Gillians, to follow my dream.”
WESTCHESTER CAMPUS
“The new campus is absolutely beautiful. It is a state of the art facility that creates a positive learning environment for students. There are SMART classrooms, vending machines and a grand piano in the lobby. Shameless plug—my office is THE BOMB and I have a wonderful view of the main entrance. Did I mention the Dunkin’ Donuts coffee in the Common Ground cafe?”
OUTSIDE INTERESTS
“In my spare time, I collect magnets and art. I have always been fascinated by the work of Paul Goodnight, Annie Lee and Synthia Saint James. I recently developed a green thumb, and in the last year, I became a pet owner; I have four fish.”
