Pam Ligon; Associate Dean of Academic Services

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:
MS in Community Counseling, 2002
Henderson State University, Arkadelphia, Arkansas

BA in Family and Consumer Sciences, 1996
Minor in Business Administration
Henderson State University, Arkadelphia, Arkansas


ORGANIZATIONS AND AFFILIATIONS:
• National Academic Advising Association
• HSU Assessment Team Secretary
• Arkansas Colleges and Personnel Association
• HSU Strategic Planning Committee
• Clark County Leadership Academy
• HSU Relay for Life
• Catastrophic Leave Committee
• National Association of Colleges and Employers
• Task force, Higher Learning Commission
• Notary
• Faculty/Non-Classified Staff Compensation Study Committee

• Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority

EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY:
After graduating early from high school, I immediately enrolled in college.  I took 19 and 21 hours my first two semesters.  Also, during our month-long Christmas break, I took a two-week class for a three-hour credit in humanities.  I worked 20 hours a week, joined a sorority and took a leadership role, and spent my nights studying in the library.  Although my grades were pretty good, and I had 49 credits hours, after my first year I withdrew from school, forfeiting my scholarship.  I was totally burned out. Too much, too quick. The following year I married.  Ten years later I found myself working again at Henderson.  Dr. Charles Dunn was my new boss and he and I sat and talked about my future.  He encouraged me to go back to school.  I remember him telling me that ten years down the road I could look back and have my degree or just be working.  We mapped out a plan, set some goals, and I began taking one to two classes a semester.  Eight years later I walked across the stage with my bachelor’s degree and a new job.  My education equipped me well for the position of the Garrison Center Director.  After taking a three-year hiatus, I enrolled in graduate school and received my master’s degree in Community Counseling, December 2002.  I didn’t take the easiest route but I did take one.  Perseverance.  I believed in me.  Twenty-three years later I am still working at Henderson.  I am the Associate Dean of Academic Services and the director over the Academic Advising Center and the Center for Career Development.  What I enjoy most about my work is the opportunity to help others become a success.


HOBBIES:
Cooking
Reading
New grandbaby
Bike riding


FAVORITE FOODS:
There are not many foods I don’t like (except sardines).  Top those with chocolate and I probably could even get those down. CHOCOLATE, southern home cooking, Italian, and Mexican are my favorite food groups.  I am always willing to try anything at least once.


PERSONAL QUOTE:
It doesn't matter where you are coming from.  All that matters is where you are going.  --Brian Tracy


ADVICE:
Set goals and take one day at a time.  Sometimes the big picture can seem overwhelming.  It’s the baby steps that will eventually get you there.  You can’t always please others.  Make yourself happy and others will benefit.