ALC Faculty Join Students in Work Study Roles

At Alice Lloyd College, the Student Work Program is more than a tradition. It’s a promise first made by our founder, Mrs. Lloyd, to provide an education to any mountain student willing to work for it. Today, that legacy continues as every student participates in the program, helping offset the cost of their education while gaining valuable skills that prepare them for life after college.

Each year, as the semester winds down, the College comes together to honor the dedication and achievements of our students during the Work Awards ceremony. In the spirit of appreciation and solidarity, faculty members are encouraged to set aside their usual routines and try out the roles students fill each day, whether in food service, maintenance, or landscaping.

This week, Dr. Sara Pitts, Associate Professor of Communication, decided to step far outside her comfort zone. Inspired by the hard work of her students, she asked two of them, Nick Chasteen and Dylan Pierce, to teach her how to “swing a weed eater.” Both Nick and Dylan are assigned to the College’s Landscaping Crew for their work study. The Landscaping Crew works year round, regardless of the weather, to keep the campus clean and beautiful. They work to trim grass in the heat of July and to clear snow and ice in the cold of January.

Dr. Pitts said the idea came to her after seeing Dylan in the Hunger Din between his shifts. “He had grass in his hair because he’d already been to class and out weed eating in the heat before lunch,” she said. “I’m really impressed by the hard work these students perform in the classroom and for the good of our campus.” That moment led her to flip the script and take a lesson from her students. On Wednesday afternoon, she met with Nick and Dylan to learn the basics of trimming grass—and gained a firsthand appreciation for the physical effort it requires.

Reflecting on his experience, Nick shared that the Landscaping Crew has taught him the value of perseverance and revealed what he’s capable of accomplishing. He’s found that hard work leads not just to a job well done, but also to leadership roles within the program and recognition at the annual awards ceremony. Dylan agreed, adding with a laugh, “Just when you think you’re done, Wayne will tell you to get on the trash truck.”

After her experience, Dr. Pitts joked that she’ll be leaving the weed eating to the professionals—but she valued the chance to learn something new and better understand her students’ daily lives. “We are fortunate to have such dedicated students who care about their academics and are willing to put in the work outside the classroom,” she said.

Dr. Pitts wasn’t the only faculty member to join in. Dr. Steve Herr, Professor of Education, has made it a tradition to set aside his grading materials the day before the Work Awards and join students working in the Hunger Din. This year, as in years past, he served alongside the student workers at the “To Order” line, helping plate meals and serve the campus community.

Alice Lloyd College is proud of the hardworking students who call this campus home. They understand the value of their education and go above and beyond in academics, extracurricular activities, and work study. Our students are not just working for their education; they are integral to the day-to-day operations of the College, filling essential roles and performing at a professional level.

We’re equally grateful for our dedicated faculty and staff, who not only teach and mentor but also support students beyond the classroom—by attending athletic events, participating in student life, and even working side-by-side with students on Work Awards Day. At Alice Lloyd College, leaders are found both behind the podiums and in the seats in front of them. We are blessed to be part of a community that supports, uplifts, and works alongside one another.

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