Member Spotlight: Courtney Lockhart

2010-2011 ACA Program Chair

Hometown: College Station, TX

College(s) Attended: The University of Texas at Austin

Degree(s) earned: Bachelor of Arts with majors in Anthropology and Linguistics

Title:  Senior Academic Advisor- College of Liberal Arts

What are your hobbies?  I love spending time with my family and friends, trying new eateries, working on crossword puzzles, traveling, and reading. Some people also know me to be a beer connoisseur.

What was your favorite childhood toy?  Probably my collection of Barbie’s and action figures. I loved creating characters and making up their whole life stories. Oh, my giant National Geographic atlas was a favorite, too.

What is your current position at UT? Briefly explain:  I’m the undergraduate advisor for the Department of Anthropology. I get to work with a specific population of students who are majoring in the same subject I did here at UT. Anthropology is a broad discipline. I’m constantly surrounded by interesting people doing all sorts of interesting things. But that’s the great thing about working at the University, isn’t it?

Have you had any jobs prior to your current job at UT?  If so, what were they?  As an undergraduate, I worked at the Graduate & International Admissions Center processing applications and transcripts. After graduating, I got a full-time position as a Student Development Specialist at the Measurement & Evaluation Center (as it was known then). My first advising job was with the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering. I worked there for 4½ years before joining the Department of Anthropology.

What is the most challenging aspect of your current job?  Working as the only advisor for my major. It’s sometimes difficult not having other advisors to collaborate with on a daily basis.

Tell us about one of your success stories that happened in your current position (regarding a student, a co-worker, a project, etc.).  A year ago, I had a student return from dismissal after being away for many years. He was 40-something grade points below a 2.0 upon returning. After working his tail off during the spring, summer, and fall, he raised his GPA and is no longer on probation! Of course, he was the one doing all the work, but he’s somebody I couldn’t be more proud of or happier for!

Why do you feel it is important to get involved in ACA or other professional organizations?  Getting involved helps you – and therefore your students – be more connected to the University and to the profession. ACA is a wonderful network that has provided me a sense of community on this large campus. We learn so much from one another… whether it’s policies or philosophies, the partnerships enhance the roles we play every day. On a more personal note: you never know the people you might meet! I met some of the most important people in my life through people I know from ACA!