Leading the Way
Guiding academic recovery
into lifelong success
By SUNSHINE HATTINGH (‘10)
Director of PATH Success
The PATH program meticulously offers individualized mentoring for OKWU students.
In my role, I have the privilege of working closely with students on academic warning. These are students who did not meet the initial admissions criteria, experienced a cumulative GPA drop below 2.0, or had two consecutive semesters with a term GPA below 2.0. We pair these students with a PATH Coach to ensure that they receive the necessary academic guidance and encouragement to keep them on track for graduation.
These students must complete required study hours, and the PATH staff diligently monitor their grades. Our mission is to equip them for success and to help them develop a belief in their own ability to excel.
Last fall, we had a student-athlete who was facing academic challenges and entered our Academic Warning program. We try to match each student with the right PATH Coach, and we paired this particular student with Reed Garland, our men’s director of residential life. Reed met with this student on a biweekly basis, and they discussed academic goals, upcoming assignments, projects, and tests. Together they formulated a strategic plan and created a prioritized list of goals.
PATH Student Coaches and Resident Directors equip students with essential skills for academic and personal success.
We desire to see the students become all that God made them to be. Reed and many of our other coaches keep their offices open for students to complete homework, ask questions, or just stop in and chat. The relationships that are developed in these interactions are what PATH is all about.
At the end of the semester, this student trusted Reed enough to seek his help with advising. Even though his schedule was already mostly set, the student wanted guidance about the enrollment process and what electives he should take. Reed was able to guide him through this process.
When final grades arrived, this student had returned to good academic standing and even earned a place on the Dean’s List for the first time in his college career.
I had the honor of having this student in my class the following semester, where I saw him continue to excel as he demonstrated confidence and trust in himself to be a leader.
This is just one example of the impact that PATH Coaching is making in the lives of our students. It’s a joy to witness the growth and learning of these young men and women. While there are many rewarding roles at OKWU, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of PATH and to come alongside students on their academic journeys.