Meet the People Who are “Here With” Our Students
If you’ve heard the phrase Here With You popping up lately, it’s more than a campaign — it’s a reflection of how many of our colleagues show up for students every day. As part of that ongoing effort, we’re introducing three relatively new leaders whose work plays a critical role in helping students navigate college, find their footing and keep moving forward: Crystal Morris, Amy Huntington, and Dr. D’Wayne Jenkins. While their areas span financial aid, advising and support, and student life, they share a common commitment — meeting students where they are and walking alongside them. Crystal Morris: Helping Students Find a Way As executive director of financial aid, Crystal Morris understands that financial aid can feel overwhelming and stressful for students. Her message is simple and reassuring: there is almost always a way forward. Crystal and her team spend a lot of time helping students understand the “why” behind financial aid decisions, whether it’s FAFSA verification, appeals, or what happens when life disrupts a semester. They don’t just explain the process, they guide students through it, step by step. Crystal often reminds students that completing a FAFSA doesn’t mean taking out a loan, and that many students don’t realize how much aid, including scholarships and state funding, they may be eligible for. Her team works hard to help students minimize debt and focus on persistence and success. In her words, Financial Aid isn’t here to say no, they’re here to show students how. Amy Huntington: Helping Students Figure It Out (One Step at a Time) If you’ve met Amy Huntington, associate dean of student advising and support, you know her approach is refreshingly honest and student-centered. She’s quick to tell students they don’t need to have everything figured out and that trying something is often the best place to start. Amy leads a broad portfolio that includes academic advising, disability support, counseling and the Center for Career and Professional Readiness. Together, these areas support students as whole people, not just course schedules. Advisors in Amy’s areas help students save time and money by choosing the right classes, but they also help students navigate work, family responsibilities and moments of uncertainty. Amy is especially proud of the college’s Center for Counseling and Well-Being, noting that free, confidential support and opportunities for connection are essential to helping students persist. Her philosophy is simple: keep the momentum going, meet students without judgment and help them take the next step forward, whatever that looks like. Dr. D’Wayne Jenkins: Creating Belonging and Building Trust For Dr. D’Wayne Jenkins, dean of student life, student support is deeply personal. His own college experience lacked the guidance and connection he now works to provide for others. “I want to be someone that I did not have,” he often says and that mindset shapes how Student Life approaches its work. Dr. Jenkins and his team focus on engagement, leadership, belonging and retention. From student organizations and leadership development to advocacy and basic needs support, the goal is to help students feel connected and supported early, before challenges become barriers. Listening to student voices, building trust and creating welcoming spaces are central to the work. As Dr. Jenkins puts it, success isn’t always quantifiable, sometimes it’s about relationships, confidence and helping students feel like they belong at GRCC. More Stories Coming Soon Crystal, Amy and D’Wayne are just the beginning. The Here With You campaign will continue to spotlight employees from across the college — advisors, navigators, coaches, frontline staff and others who meet students where they are and help them move forward. Stay tuned for more stories and more opportunities to get to know the people who are here with our students every step of the way.