Whitley Phipps: From Assignments to Administration
One year ago, a struggling college decided it would no longer be able to operate. Many of its students were shocked and uncertain about their futures, but fortunately other colleges stepped in to help the students. One such college was Bluefield College.
Whitley Phipps, a Chattanooga, TN, native and a graduate of Soddy Daisy High School, was one of those students who had her whole world changed that day, but because Bluefield College offered her aid and BC women’s volleyball coach Buddy Gallemore offered her an opportunity play her senior season at BC, Phipps found a new beginning with Bluefield.
“I knew I wanted a Christian atmosphere that offered my business degree,” said Phipps about the process of finding a new college. “I was going into my senior year as an athlete knowing I wasn’t ready to hang up my jersey. The volleyball coach (Gallemore) showed interest in me, and that’s what had me hooked on Bluefield.”
And Phipps did more than just join the Lady Rams volleyball team. She impressed the coach and players so much she was named captain of the squad.
“I enjoy meeting new people and having the experience to travel and build relationships with my teammates,” Phipps said about her volleyball involvement. She added that she learned a valuable life lesson from her volleyball experience, and that is your day is what you make it when it comes to learning from experiences.
Phipps is also a business administration major. It’s a degree she said that “sets a broad platform for almost any career.” Gabby Rigsby, a fellow classmate and teammate, said Phipps “always works hard to do her best.”
“She’s a good student who is dedicated to her studies,” Rigsby said. “(She) is the kind of person that is super easy to talk to and get to know. I like that she’s the person I can go to about everything and know that she will give me the best advice she can.”
In addition to being a full-time student, Phipps is an interim admissions counselor in the BC Admissions Office. She began her work in Admissions as a work-study student, but then was offered the opportunity to work part time as an interim admissions counselor until she graduates May 9 at which time she will become a full-time admissions counselor.
“Ever since Whitley set foot in our office as a student counselor, it felt like she already worked with us full-time,” said Phipps’ supervisor Matt Hamilton, director of traditional admissions. “Her amazing work ethic and professionalism made it a no-brainer to advance her to a part-time role for now and full-time employment after she graduates in May.”
Phipps serves as a traditional admissions counselor, responsible for reaching out to local high schools and recruiting graduating seniors to come to Bluefield. Hamilton described her as “a kind and professional young woman.” He also spoke about how being a student-athlete gives her a mentality that helps her recruit students to Bluefield College.
“She brings a bubbly personality to our team in Admissions,” Hamilton said. “Her perseverance and willingness to go above and beyond does not go unnoticed.”
Phipps said that during her time working for BC she hopes to “be a smart, educated woman who demonstrates excellence” with everything she does.
“I would love to make connections with people that I can count on throughout life,” she said. “I want to leave something in a better state than when I arrived.”