Phi Theta Kappa honor society inductee Crystal Stephens excels as a Reynolds student and Reynolds employee

Crystal Stephens with Dr. Gary Rhodes at the PTK Induction Ceremony

Crystal Stephens is an extraordinary individual who works as a staff member at Reynolds while also pursuing her degree in Business Administration. Fellow student and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society member Dylan Chapman recently interviewed Crystal to find out the challenges and rewards of working at Reynolds, while also returning to the classroom.

D.C. - What is your position as an employee, and as a student, here at Reynolds Community College?  

C.S - I have been working for Reynolds Community College since November 2013 as the Custodial Supervisor on Parham Road Campus.  This is my third semester at Reynolds Community College and my major is in Business Administration.  I’m currently working towards my Certificate in Entrepreneurship in Small Business. 

D.C. - Why are you pursuing a degree while already employed? Are you changing careers, starting a new major or looking for professional development? 

C.S - I am currently pursuing a degree for my own professional development.  Not only would I like to move up in rank within the department, but one day in the near future, I would like to own a commercial cleaning business contracting to state government agencies. 

D.C. - Describe what it is like being a part-time/full-time employee at the college you are studying at. How is it scheduling-wise, and what do you take from your studies to apply to your job? 

C.S - While working full-time and studying part-time it is indeed hard to juggle that “work-life” balance.  Both work and studying require constant attention, however it causes the personal life to go lacking thereof.  Weekdays are now dedicated to my job as well as school duties and my weekends are solely for my personal life.

D.C. - What are your accomplishments as an employee and as a student here at Reynolds Community College? What have these accomplishments meant to you and how have they helped you develop? 

C.S - During the Fall Convocation, on Tuesday, October 7, 2014 I received the Grande LEAPer award.  On Saturday, November 1, 2014 I was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa.  Being inducted into Phi Theta Kappa is most certainly an honor and acknowledges the accomplishments that I have made.

D.C - Do you feel that it is important to continue learning in some form despite being employed? Do you feel further education in some form helps an employee’s performance?

C.S - I think that it is very important for individuals to continue learning even while employed as entry level credentials are increasing along with skill requirements.  The demands of the industry are always changing, the software is always becoming more complex, expectations are always on the rise, and given the opportunity to take courses will help enhance our skills making us more marketable.




Reynolds student Dylan Chaplin - Dylan is serving as a PR Assistant and a Student Ambassador this fall. He also served as the Vice-President of The H.E.A.R.T Service, which is a community service and civic engagement club designed to create connections between Reynolds and its surrounding communities. During his first two semesters at Reynolds he successfully completed the college's Leadership Program, JSR LEAD.  In his spare time he likes to blog.