Staff Profile: Tunisia Williams
After a brief stint in the U.S. Army as a chemical operations specialist, she decided to join the ROTC program at Augusta State, where she spent a semester in the program before she decided to pursue a degree in communications with an emphasis in broadcast journalism. But as a new semester began, the Beaufort, S.C., native realized broadcast journalism was not the career path for her. “While I was majoring in broadcast journalism at ASU, I was also working at a local TV station as a production assistant,” says Ms. Williams. “But I realized that the TV industry wasn’t for me. I wanted to try something different.” It was in 2000 when she decided to try something different. Ms. Williams experienced her first taste of public relations when she began working as a student assistant in ASU’s Office of Public Relations and Publications. “I was a student assistant for a short time before Kathy Schofe offered me a position as an information specialist,” she explains. “I wanted to write more, and Kathy acknowledged my interest and gave me that opportunity.” Ms. Williams decided in 2002 to serve as a parish communications coordinator and administrative assistant at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church downtown. She was in charge of maintaining the church’s newsletter, brochures, and service programs. But nearly a year ago, Ms. Williams came back to her roots and began work again in the public relations office as an information specialist. In the short time she has been back, though, Ms. Williams and her husband, Robert, have experienced great personal loss. The couple lost their second child—a son, Zion, due to complications during Ms. Williams’ pregnancy. A year before, they lost a daughter, Nyah. “For me, it puts things into perspective. There are so many children who need homes. I haven’t given up on having children, but I feel like God wants us to pursue foster care not only to be parents to the children, but mentors as well,” Ms. Williams says. It is her strong faith in God that keeps her going, adds Ms. Williams. She is very active at her church, New Life Worship Center in Hephzibah. She is a member of the church’s investment club and video team. She is a troop leader for the church’s Girl Scout Troop and is also a member of the New Life Professional Society. “My spiritual life is a big part of who I am. Jesus is my homeboy,” she laughs. “In all seriousness, I have learned to put God first in my life, and regardless of what I go through, I know that God is always there as comforter and as a guide.” When she’s not at New Life, Ms. Williams enjoys watching television shows; specifically, CSI, Dr. Phil, and King of the Hill. She also values spending time with her family. She shares a close bond with her two older sisters, Dana and Val, and Val’s sons, Jerrick and twins, Elijah and Emmanuel. “Although there are several years between my sisters and me, we’re extremely close,” Ms. Williams says. “They are like my surrogate mothers.” Ms. Williams earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from ASU in 2003 and one day hopes to pursue a master’s degree. Who: Tunisia Williams Position: Information specialist in the Office of Public Relations and Publications Fun Fact: Ms. Williams met her husband on a blind date. What do you like most about working at ASU? “The snacks at campus events,” she laughs. “Honestly, I enjoy the collegial atmosphere—the beautiful buildings and the wonderful faculty, staff, and students. I feel as though I am part of a big family here at ASU.” Other News Stories: Board of Regents | Golf House | Student Activities Associate Director | Arsenal Oak Vase | New Food Court | Academic Departments Restructure | Oliver Wilson | IT Update | Faculty Profile | Staff Profile | Campus Notables | Photo 1 | Photo 2 | Photo 3 | Photo 4 | Calendar | Birthdays | Table of Contents
July 2006 |
The new millennium marked a new beginning for Tunisia Williams.
