We Asked Walters State Faculty and Staff One Question. Here's What They Said.

What's one thing you wish every college student knew? 

It's a simple question. But the answers can tell us a lot about what matters most to the people who teach, guide and support students every day. 

We posed that question to several Walters State faculty and staff members, inviting them to share a few sentences of advice. 

Their responses touched on everything from asking for help to finding confidence, embracing challenges and discovering who you want to become. 

Here's what they had to say. 

Dr. Angi Smith 

Vice President for Student Services 

"We are here to help! Whether it is an issue at home or school, if it impacts you, we want to help." 

Dr. Matthew D. Smith 

Dean of Natural Science and Professor of Chemistry 

"You won’t remember everything you learn in college, and that’s okay. What stays with you may not be the content itself, but the ability to approach something challenging and figure it out. There is no single ‘right’ way to learn, so find what works for you, set meaningful goals, and don’t be afraid to adjust your approach along the way. Success isn’t about never struggling; it’s about continuing to move forward when you do." 

Alex Smyth, M.S. 

Data Analyst, Institutional Effectiveness and Compliance 

"I wish every student knew how important it is to earn as many credit hours as possible during their first semester. Among full-time freshmen who started at Walters State in fall 2023, those who completed at least six credit hours were nearly eight times more likely to graduate within three years than those who completed fewer than six. That first semester matters, and every credit hour you earn puts you one step closer to graduation." 

Dr. Whitney Jarnagin 

Dean of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Professor of Psychology 

"You have what it takes! No matter who you are or where you come from, with hard work, determination, and perseverance, you can accomplish your goals. Walters State believes in you. Believe in yourself!" 

Kelsey A. Solomon, M.A. 

Associate Professor of English and Assistant Dean of Humanities 

"College invites you, at last, to live your life in the active voice and discover yourself. It’s okay to change your mind, hyper-focus on a passion, and print your soul on the page. If you recognize yourself in a task, then chase the next flow state and don’t settle for familiarity. You did it right when you struggle to distinguish your words and actions from who you are." 

Need Assistance?

Students, have questions or don’t know where to turn? Contact Senators Central today.  

Call 423.585.2600 or email senatorscentralFREEWS. Tell them what's going on. They'll help answer your question or connect you with the people who can. And if you want to physically stop in, each campus has an office: 

• Morristown: Student Services Building, U109. 

• Sevierville Campus: Marshall Maples Hall, Room 100. 

• Claiborne Campus: Room 026. 

• Niswonger Campus: Room 108.