Intro by King Musa
“Yo, what it is? You know what it is. It’s your man, King Musa! Welcome to The Cheat Sheet, the podcast where we decode success for creators, professors, and business owners.
Today, we’re diving into the world of student engagement and campus life. We’ll explore the importance of student involvement, leadership, and building meaningful connections. Joining us is Dr. Holly Smith, Executive Director of Student Life at Stephen F. Austin State University. Dr. Holly is responsible for creating vibrant student experiences, fostering leadership, and encouraging students to get involved. We’re excited to hear how she’s shaping student life at SFA. Welcome, Dr. Holly!”
Getting to Know Dr. Holly Smith
King Musa: “Welcome, Dr. Holly! Before we dive into your role, let’s start with something fun. What’s the story behind SFA’s iconic hand sign, the Ax ‘em Jacks?”
Dr. Holly Smith: “Thanks for having me! The story goes back to 1979 and ‘80 when our cheerleaders were at spring break. They noticed other schools like UT and A&M had hand signs, so they decided SFA needed one too. The hand sign represents the shape of Texas, with your pinky pointing to where Nacogdoches is located. Throwing it up symbolizes the true spirit of being a Lumberjack!”
KM: “That’s awesome! Now, can you tell us more about yourself and your role here at SFA?”
HS: “Of course! I’m Dr. Holly Smith, Executive Director of Student Life, but students like to call me Dr. Holly. I’m an SFA alumna—class of 2000 and 2002. My role involves overseeing orientation, student engagement, and career services. It’s all about helping students transition to SFA, get involved, and prepare for life after graduation.”
Personal Background and Passions
KM: “Where are you from, and how did your journey lead you to this role?”
HS: “I’m from Pittsburgh, Texas, a small town about two hours north of here. After graduating high school, I went to a community college before transferring to SFA. At first, I didn’t get involved—I felt overwhelmed by all the options. But in my second year, I joined a faith-based organization, a sorority, and became an orientation leader. Those experiences transformed my college journey and inspired me to pursue a career in student life.”
KM: “When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing?”
HS: “As a mom, most of my free time is spent at my kids’ sporting events. My son plays varsity basketball and golf, and my daughter does volleyball, cheer, and tumbling. I also love supporting SFA athletics—we have season tickets to basketball and football games. Outside of that, I enjoy community events, like those hosted by the Chamber of Commerce and Nacogdoches Heroes.”
Vision for Student Life
KM: “What’s your vision for student life at SFA?”
HS: “My goal is to help students transition academically and socially. From orientation to career services, we want to ensure they feel supported every step of the way. Students need to find their home away from home—whether that’s joining an organization, exploring leadership roles, or making connections in their residence halls. The ultimate aim is to help them grow inside and outside the classroom.”
KM: “How do you encourage students to get involved?”
HS: “It’s all about finding meaningful and productive activities. We have over 250 student organizations, so there’s something for everyone. And if not, students can create their own organization! These experiences teach valuable skills like teamwork, conflict resolution, and leadership. It’s about helping students see the big picture and understand how involvement enhances their personal and professional growth.”
Challenges and Advice for Students
KM: “What challenges do you face in your role, and how do you address them?”
HS: “One challenge is helping students balance involvement with academics. Some get overly involved, which impacts their grades, while others struggle to engage at all. It’s important to find that balance and remember the primary goal—earning a degree and preparing for the workforce. I also remind students to start strong each semester, stick to a schedule, and avoid procrastination. Small, consistent efforts lead to big results.”
KM: “What advice would you give to students navigating the grind of midterms and burnout?”
HS: “Start by breaking tasks into smaller chunks—it’s like eating an elephant one bite at a time. Reward yourself for progress, even if it’s just 20 minutes of focused study. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, whether it’s from professors, peers, or campus resources. Most importantly, don’t leave anything on the table. Give 110% every day so you have no regrets.”
Outro by King Musa
“Dr. Holly, thank you for sharing your journey and insights into the power of student involvement and campus life.
To all our listeners, remember that college is about growth, connection, and making the most of your opportunities. Get involved, stay motivated, and keep building your story.
This is your man, King Musa, signing off. Stay engaged, stay inspired, and always Ax ‘em Jacks!”
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