Intro by King Musa
"Yo, what’s up, fam? You’re locked into The CheatSheet, the podcast where we decode success for creators, professors, and business owners. I’m your host, King Musa, and today, we’re diving into the essential work behind student development and access services, making sure every student has the tools to thrive.
Joining us is an incredible guest who’s all about breaking barriers and fostering success—Dr. Veronica Beavers, the Executive Director of Student Development and Access Services at Stephen F. Austin State University. Let’s get into it!"
Halloween Memories
King Musa: "Dr. Beavers, welcome! Before we dive into your work, it’s October—Halloween season. Do you have a favorite Halloween memory or a costume you’ll never forget?"
Dr. Beavers: "Thanks for having me! Honestly, I don’t remember a lot of costumes, but one memory stands out. My dad, who never dressed up, once went all out as a scarecrow. It was such a core memory for me! On the flip side, I tried a haunted house a few years ago—never again. Paid to be terrified? Lesson learned!"
Getting to Know Dr. Beavers
KM: "Let’s jump in! Could you introduce yourself and your role at SFA?"
Dr. Beavers: "Absolutely. I’m Veronica Beavers, Executive Director of Student Development and Access Services at SFA. I oversee disability services, veteran services, mentoring programs, testing centers, and parent support services. It’s all about ensuring students have what they need to succeed."
The Drive to Help Others
KM: "Where does your passion for helping students come from? And how did your upbringing shape that drive?"
Dr. Beavers: "I grew up in Longview, Texas, in a hardworking family. My dad worked his way up in retail, and my mom pursued college non-traditionally. They instilled a relentless work ethic in me. It’s always been about setting goals, achieving them, and then reaching for the next."
Life at SFA
KM: "You’re an SFA alum! What brought you here and what made you stay?"
Dr. Beavers: "Scholarships and the community drew me to SFA. My first year was rough—I worked a lot and wasn’t engaged. But becoming a Resident Assistant changed everything. I got involved in orientation, mentoring, and even met my husband here. That sense of community and opportunity kept me coming back."
Vision and Challenges
KM: "What’s the vision for Student Development and Access Services, and what challenges do you face in your role?"
Dr. Beavers: "Our vision is to remove barriers so students can thrive—whether that’s through mentorship, disability accommodations, or veteran support. Challenges? Sometimes it’s resources, sometimes it’s navigating bureaucracy. But I’m committed to listening, advocating, and following through."
Mentorship and Support
KM: "Mentorship is a big part of your work. How does it help students?"
Dr. Beavers: "Mentorship provides guidance and support, whether it’s peer-to-peer or faculty mentors. Students shouldn’t have to face challenges alone. A mentor can connect them to resources and help them navigate everything from academics to personal growth."
Advice for Students
KM: "For students juggling life and school, what advice would you give them?"
Dr. Beavers: "Advocate for yourself! Use the resources available, whether it’s counseling, tutoring, or mentorship. Also, set boundaries. You’re your own priority—balance is key to success."
Outro by King Musa
"Dr. Beavers, you’ve shared so much wisdom. Thank you for inspiring us with your journey and dedication.
To all our listeners, remember: Success is built on effort and resilience. Stay tuned for more CheatSheet episodes, where we decode success and help you level up. It’s your man, King Musa, signing off. Stay blessed and keep grinding!"
From Blogger iPhone client
0 Comments