Black Heritage Month Difference Maker 3

Joyelle Breedlove  Professional Advisor, CET Advising and Student Services, College of Engineering Technology

How long have you been at RIT? I have been at RIT for 22 years. Describe your responsibilities at RIT. I work with students one on one and help them transition to college, integrate into the RIT community, navigate their curriculum, connect to campus resources, evaluate progress toward on-time degree completion, and explore career choices. How are your responsibilities different from those of an academic adviser? The titles are interchangeable. We do the same thing. What do you enjoy most about your job? Connecting with students. I truly enjoy learning more about what brought them to RIT and sharing more about how they can get the most out of their RIT experience. Greeting students as they exit the stage during the Commencement Ceremony is a highlight every year. Please share some of your professional journey. I have worked both in Students Affairs and Academic Affairs. I have advised UNITY House, the Black Awareness Coordinating Committee (BACC,) the AALANA Collegiate Association (ACA), the RIT Gospel Ensemble, and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated in the past. I served as a faculty member with the RIT Leadership Institute in the past and I have been a Standing Committee Member with the BAJA SAE Summer Worldwide Challenge hosted at RIT every two years. I am a past adjunct instructor for Leadership courses with the School of Individualized Study (SOIS) and a current adjunct with Year One Programs, teaching RIT 365: RIT Connections. Currently, I serve as Advocate for Student Conduct and ResolutionOffice and am an avid supporter of the Women in Technology Club. I have served on many committees over the years!  What qualities do you think a person should have to be a successful advisor? Several qualities are needed. However, I would highlight interpersonal skills: Strong people skills are very important. Understanding the “every student counts philosophy” will ensure your success as an advisor. When we think of students who are just heading off to college, there are so many new responsibilities that they will be confronted with. What tips, in general, would you share with those students to make sure they have a successful college experience?  Use the resources available to you. It is ok to ask for help. No question is a silly question. Communication will be key. We are celebrating Black Heritage Month. Why is it important and who are some of your role models?  It is important to have a designated time to recognize and honor the significant contributions of Black people throughout history. I use it as a time to pay homage to the accomplishments of those who have made invaluable contributions to our nation. I have many role models and mentors that have contributed to my success. Dr. Howard Ward is one mentor that truly inspired me as a young professional when I first started at RIT. He stayed consistent in showing up, supporting and encouraging AALANA faculty and staff at a PWI. Bringing us together to build community was key to me continuing my career here and made a difference in my overall experience. Being in a position of leadership Dr. Ward served as a pillar of hope of what we could accomplish in our careers. He has retired but his impact is still felt by many.  Fun Facts Book or movie you would recommend.  The Six Triple Eight. It was released this year on Netflix and in honor of Black History Month I want to highlight this film. I had never heard of this true story until this year. We all should stay open to learning and educating ourselves. Do you root for a favorite sports team?  The Bills make me want to shout!! Let’s Go Bills Mafia. Who is the best cook in the family and what is their go-to dish?  My little brother Will and his smoked turkey is nothing to be compared to. NOTHING!!!! What is on your current playlist?  Goodness of God by CeCe Winans. Favorite spot on the RIT campus?  Outside my office suite. It would have to be CTRL ALT DELI located in Golisano Hall. Doughnuts are delivered fresh daily from Donut Delight. Quick walk from my office for a special treat. Plus, if you need a quick lunch they have many options. Growing up, what was your favorite TV show? Video Soul hosted by Donnie Simpson. What is your hometown and for what is it best known? Buffalo, New York. Chicken wings of course. You get free, front-row seats for you and your friends to any live concert. Who are you going to see?  New Edition, my favorite group of all time. Early bird or night owl? Early Bird. My body naturally wakes up at 6am. What would your friends or colleagues be surprised to learn about you? That I would not mind having a small, cute puppy as a pet.