By: Anna Aguillard, Senior Writer
After working at Wofford for a little over one year, Natalee Oldham has already become an integral face of the Wofford community. Serving as both a resident director for the Office of Residence Life and Panhellenic advisor for the Office of Student Affairs, Oldham wears many hats – she is involved in almost every aspect of student life, from planning residence life seminars to writing new rules for sorority recruitment.
Oldham’s hard work has not gone unnoticed. Matt Hammett, assistant dean of students for student involvement, nominated Oldham for the 2015 Walter T. Cox New Professional Award in recognition of the time she devotes to serving Wofford in so many different capacities.
“She balances her responsibilities with grace,” says Hammett. “She is student-driven and cares greatly about the success of our Greek-lettered organizations.”
This award, sponsored by the South Carolina College Personnel Association, recognizes outstanding contributions and potential in the field of student affairs by a new professional.
“I nominated her for the Walter T. Cox Award because of her desire to always give 110 percent to our students and her colleagues. Playing dual roles in Greek life and residence life, she has a number of staff members to supervise, as well as organizations to advise,” says Hammett.
Oldham says that she had “no idea” that the award was coming. She was nominated only three days before, and Dean Hammett “fooled” her into attending the ceremony to keep her from suspecting that she had won.
“I was speechless,” said Oldham.
A native of Chattanooga, TN, Oldham graduated from Furman in 2014 with a major in non-teaching education.
After graduation, she moved to Spartanburg and into her office on the second floor of the Campus Life building.
“I have loved my time as a new professional here at Wofford,” Oldham says. “Through the relationships I have built, I can see how caring the students are for their school while wanting the best for their peers. It’s been an honor to watch each student leader grow.”
“She immediately made an impact by learning about the institution and doing what she does best – building relationships by being her authentic self,” says Hammett.
In her positions as Panhellenic Secretary and as an R.A., Junior Alex Arsi has worked directly with Oldham in both of her capacities.
“Natalee has been one of the most supportive faculty members within my time at Wofford,” says Arsi. “She not only cares about doing her job to the best of her ability, but also cares for the people around her.”
According to Arsi, Oldham’s favorite thing to say is, “If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call or text.”
“She is always listening to the concerns of others and will make herself available if someone needs something,” says Arsi. “She is willing to go the extra mile for both Panhellenic and residence life.”
“I can’t thank her enough for her support and friendship,” says Hammett.
