[author: Jarvis Steele]
I earned my undergraduate degree from Georgia Southern University and my law degree from the University of Georgia. While in law school, I interned with Georgia Southern’s Legal Affairs Office as a Title IX and civil rights investigator. This experience opened my eyes to the intricacies of Title IX. I learned to strike a balance between applying administrative law and understanding the human stories behind the cases. It was a period of reflection and growth that solidified my commitment to using my legal training to make a positive impact.
After graduating, I began my career at Georgia Southern as an Assistant University Counsel and civil rights investigator. It was in this role that my passion for Title IX work flourished. A defining moment in those early years was discovering the ATIXA community, which played a key role in my professional growth. Being awarded the Annual Conference Scholarship was a turning point—it allowed me to attend my first ATIXA Conference. There, I connected with inspiring professionals and gained invaluable insights that influence my work to this day.
Being part of ATIXA has fostered some of my most meaningful professional relationships. Over the past seven years, I’ve witnessed the remarkable impact this community can have. Today, I am honored to contribute further by serving on the ATIXA Advisory Board.
Revitalizing a Collective Enthusiasm for Title IX
I currently serve as the Title IX Coordinator and Director of Civil Rights, Student Risk Assessment, and Education at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Here, I have secured grant funding to advance Title IX initiatives and organized the “Talking Title IX in the Upstate” conference. (Yes, South Carolina has an Upstate!) The event brought together Title IX Coordinators to discuss the evolving landscape of Title IX, its challenges, and related issues. It was a platform where we could share our experiences, learn from each other, and strengthen our community. Most importantly, it helped us renew our passion and enthusiasm.
Title IX work is rooted in collaboration and requires adaptability to meet students’ needs in the moment. ATIXA provides invaluable resources, including model policies and expert guidance, to navigate the evolving complexities of the work. As a committed listserv reader, I start each day by reviewing the issues my colleagues face. The best part about ATIXA is the team of experts you can consult with when you’re unsure. Knowing ATIXA is there to guide me removes the isolation of this work and motivates me to make a more significant impact.
For me, enthusiasm is essential to our work, especially when supporting students through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. Genuine enthusiasm, paired with authentic compassion, can make all the difference in helping students overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Enthusiasm is also contagious. When we bring energy and positivity to our work, we inspire those around us, including community partners who often rely on us for guidance and support. We also foster an environment that motivates students to succeed.
Our fundamental responsibility is to treat everyone, whether K-12 students or higher education learners, with dignity and respect. While the expression of dignity may vary from person to person, the universal expectation of fairness and decency remains constant. Upholding this standard is a commitment I take seriously. As educators, we have a profound opportunity to shape the next generation by fostering values like empathy and respect. Leading with enthusiasm, compassion, and integrity can have a profoundly meaningful and lasting impact on both individuals and the broader community.
Being part of a community means investing your time and showing up. When my colleagues on campus ask for support, I rarely say no. They must know that I value their vision as much as I hope they value mine. Title IX plays a crucial role in fostering this sense of community. In our work, we often see sides of students that others may not. Our responsibility is to safeguard the community, ensuring it remains safe and welcoming for everyone. This typically involves challenging behind-the-scenes work. Our goal is to create better experiences for everyone.
At its core, Title IX is a cornerstone of community, where people invest in one another, creating a cycle of care and support that strengthens us all. I’m excited to contribute as an ATIXA Advisory Board member, helping to create spaces where everyone feels enthusiastically valued and supported.
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