#FierceFemaleFriday - DeVaria Hudson

 "Be bold! Be unique! And get rid of that box!" - DeVaria Hudson

DeVaria "Dee" Hudson was recently appointed the Director of Admissions at Grambling State University.   DeVaria and her team are responsible for recruiting students from all over the United States and beyond to Grambling State University. 

DeVaria is a native of Grambling, LA so she understands the rich history and culture that flows through the hallways of this great institution.  Attention to detail, professionalism, and school pride are just a few ways to describe DeVaria.  

Pictured above - Dee and her team displaying their school spirit on #GramSpiritFriday

What do you love most about your job?
"I love people. I enjoy interacting with people and helping them. My parents have always opened their homes to others. When in town, my siblings' friends still stop by my mom's house for her sweet tea. My Daddy never meets a stranger. With this type of background, working in Admissions is a natural fit for me.  Admissions allows me to establish relationships with prospective students and show them what it's like to be a part of a true family, #GramFam! I enjoy reconnecting with old friends as they bring their children to Grambling State University. It's invigorating to discuss initiatives and goals with alumni. It's a blessing to have a President that is student-centered and accessible to his team. I couldn't have asked for a better job and opportunity!"

 Dee pictured with alumni in Houston, TX

What advice would you give to young women who want to enter into higher Ed?
"In the words of Yoda, "Do or do not, there is no try." Higher Ed is exciting and dynamic. It's definitely not for the weak and will require you to have high self-efficacy beliefs.  No matter what career path that you find yourself on there will ALWAYS be someone who doubts your abilities.  The key is to believe in yourself. You were brought to this position for a reason and a season. You have been equipped with a unique skill set.  Go into the office everyday with the idea that you are there to make a difference.  Eventually obstacles will be removed, crooked places will become straight, and broken pieces will be put back together.

A former Dean, also a woman, told me in a private meeting, 'DeVaria, it's easier to ask forgiveness than it is to get permission." If you are a woman and thinking of higher ed - Be bold! Be unique! And get rid of that box!'"

Dee pictured above representing Grambling in her local community.

What obstacles have you had to overcome while serving in this role?

"There's no secret that budget constraints are present in higher ed. Ask anyone in education, any sector, what they wish they had more of and they will answer financial resources. I would love to visit more schools, participate in more college fairs, send alumni more tchotchkes to distribute to prospective students and have all of the bells and whistles in our department. But reality is that we have a finite amount of resources and we are unable to fulfill all requests. 

Because of these constraints, I have to go back to my advice to women entering this field, either do something or don't. We can't travel to all of the spectacular events but we have extremely dedicated alumni that may attend on our behalf and we are collaborating with our mass communications department to arm those alumni with a recruitment video highlighting our campus and programs. This joint effort decreases costs and also showcases our talent available on campus. We'll also increase our social media presence using platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Periscope, Twitter and Flickr."

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