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University of Illinois Chicago alumna Amanda Williams’ mission: help others help themselves. She lives this out by ensuring community college students see the value of transferring to a four-year university.
With a fresh promotion in hand, Williams now serves as executive director of student transfer success at City Colleges of Chicago (CCC), a seven-college community college network. The University of Illinois System is growing its partnership with CCC as one of many ways to open the doors of opportunity widely at its three universities.
Seeking seamless transfers
A new transfer-focused U of I System event last summer evolved into multiple chances for admissions staff from the system’s universities to connect with CCC academic advising staff, all to benefit students.
“City Colleges of Chicago has always been a great U of I System partner,” Pflum said. “Working together to improve transfer student processes is extremely rewarding, mostly because of rock-solid partners like Amanda and the team of transfer advocates across CCC.
“We see it as our shared responsibility to ensure that students seamlessly transfer from City Colleges of Chicago into U of I System universities.”
To propel her own career, Williams earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UIC. She worked in admissions there to help with student transfers before shifting her talents to Harold Washington College and then Wilbur Wright College.
“Success is about getting involved and digging in. Like I tell students, ‘There are always opportunities to insert yourself into projects and initiatives so you can learn even more,’” Williams said.
She found advising students on admissions, financial aid and academic support rewarding. So, when the opportunity arose to improve and enhance transfer experiences at all CCC locations, Williams was all in.
‘Continue to level up’
Enter Aarti Dhupelia, CCC’s inaugural executive vice chancellor-chief student experience officer.
“Amanda has embraced all of our new efforts to ensure we build on the good work already happening and continue to level up,” Dhupelia said. “And she does it all with a can-do attitude, a data-informed approach, a student-centered and college-informed lens, extensive transfer expertise and a strong work ethic.
“Plus, Amanda has a deep understanding of and passion for equity and student success.”
Williams likes Dhupelia’s approach.
“She shook things up, asked what could be better,” Williams said.
Pflum likes Williams’ approach.
“Amanda’s wealth of knowledge about City Colleges of Chicago and the U of I System — both as an alumna and former advisor/transfer counselor — makes her a tremendous asset to the students she serves,” Pflum said.
“A student-focused advocate, Amanda uses her experience to break down barriers, improve processes and strengthen relationships with partner institutions.”
Team focused on triumph
As Williams leads her team of transfer directors from City Colleges of Chicago, the engaged experts set students up for success in college and in life.
“Our goal is to reshape the culture of transfers,” Williams said. “We’re getting the job done. It’s gratifying to see work I’m involved in influence the trajectory of students’ lives.”
