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T.J. McDowell's career has revolved around serving Lincoln. In his new role as assistant vice chancellor and dean of students, he is drawing on his vast experience to help strengthen the Husker community and support students as they embark on another academic year.
From serving as the executive director at Lincoln Lighthouse and the Clyde Malone Community Center to a coordinator role at Lincoln Public Schools and being chief of staff for the mayor of Lincoln, McDowell has already made big impacts across the city where he was born and raised.
In the spring, McDowell started his "dream job" at Dear Old Nebraska U, one where he sees himself making the biggest impacts of his career.
“I have the best job in the world,” he said.
As he begins his first fall semester in the role and welcomes Huskers back to campus, McDowell is ready to help students grow and thrive as they make their way through college.
“It’s so much fun to welcome students back and assist them as they navigate this journey,” he said. “I love watching students grow and evolve and learn during their time in college and seeing how different they are from when they come in to when they graduate.”
College brings its own set of challenges. Part of McDowell’s role is to make sure Huskers know that when these challenges come up, the university has resources.
"Life happens, and as you're going through these years and working to earn that degree, we have the services and people to support you when you run into a tough time during that journey,” he said.
From the Center for Advocacy, Response and Education and Counseling and Psychological Services to Student Advocacy and Support and Services for Students with Disabilities, McDowell wants Huskers to know the scope of resources available to them. He will tell you firsthand that these people and places make a big impact.
"We all go through tough, challenging times, and one of the reasons we go through them is so that when we get to the other side, we can reach back and help someone else navigate them,” he said. “Knowing how hard it was for me as a first-generation student from a low-income family to navigate college and to earn that degree, I feel like that's why I'm here: to give back.”
