Elliott is no stranger to the University and its many traditions. Born and raised in Tuscaloosa County, she has been a Crimson Tide fan all her life. Elliott says her dad was the biggest fan she knew growing up and she wanted to be able to work for the University.
In 2010, she seized the opportunity to become the administrative secretary at the Women and Gender Resource Center, which provides free, confidential, and voluntary counseling and advocacy services to members of the UA community who are victims or survivors of interpersonal violence.
In her role, Elliott manages the crisis line, greets clients and visitors, and schedules appointments. Elliot also manages the Frances S. Summersell Library at the WGRC, which is searchable through UA Libraries.
It makes me happy that I can be a familiar face and that I can help create a safe space for our clients.
The WGRC’s work is pivotal at UA due to the many resources it provides, said Elliott. The programming spreads awareness and resources to all areas of campus, while the client side lets students come directly to them for support, and being a part of that team that makes it all possible is meaningful to Elliott
“I love working with clients, student workers and interns. It makes me happy that I can be a familiar face and that I can help create a safe space for our clients,” she said. “I know that I played a small role in their healing journey from a traumatic experience.”
Making that difference while working for the institution she grew up admiring is just a cherry on top.
“Even though I experience difficulties at times, I take great joy in saying that I work at UA. People have a deep respect for the work and the University as a whole. I appreciate that the diversity of the UA community provides me the opportunity to interact with people from all over the world.”
About Everyday Champions
UA is home to champions both on and off the field and in and out of the classroom. Everyday Champions are staff and faculty members who work behind the scenes to keep the campus running, show enthusiasm for supporting the UA campus, faculty, staff and students and embody the UA spirit of pride, determination and ingenuity. Submit an Everyday Champion you know to be considered for a feature.