Tara Thomason

AcademicDirector Advisor,of UniversityAlumni CollegeEngagement & Outreach

RhondaTara CurboThomason was nominated by LavondaAimee EvansMcDonald for P.R.O.P.S. Recognition. LavondaMcDonald said,said “RhondaTara is always a ray of sunshine and wealth of knowledge. Working in Alumni has allowed Tara to have different roles, but her latest role with Student Engagement is one that truly shows Tara's passion about helping students. She is genuinely excited to be able to speak to families about A-State. She is a god-sendrecruiter, forand admins;although whether assisting in helping MA students prepare for thesis or working on FYE course to ensure their experiencethis is anot greattruly one;part sheof goesher abovejob and beyond to ensure things flow smoothly as possible. Thedescription, A-State community is blessedlucky to have Rhondaher! asShe aoffers partideas and suggestions on how to make our processes, not just in the Alumni Association, but also in every aspect of the team!University she touches, better. She truly has a heartfelt WANT to HELP our students succeed.”

P.R.O.P.S. subcommittee members KelseyCatherine DeFord,Beaver, CathyAndrew Naylor,Nolley, and Madeline Ragland spoke with RhondaTara to learn more about her and her experience at A-State. Curbo is currently an Academic Advisor at University College. And has served A-State for 22 years.

What do you like most about A-State?

TheWhat familyI typelike environment;most itis seemsbeing able to keephelp students and the community. Seeing people come to us to pursue their education, gain that knowledge they need in that degree, then go off into the world to do big things. It’s really rewarding for me hereto forable many,to manyhave years.a very small part in working with students, whether that be through the Student Philanthropy Council or helping with any homecoming activities, just getting to have that interaction then see them go out into the world to do great things is really inspiring.

What do you wish everyone knewcould know about your job on campus?position?

Well,The it’sAlumni notEngagement myand jobOutreach inposition particular.is Ia don’tnew standrole, out.and Mythere wholeare office does the same thing. So it’s not like I stand out above any of them. But, we probably do more than mostmany people know. Well, for one thing, we do just about anything theywho come into me and ask usquestions about who to do.talk We help all first-year students, we help all students who are in academic distress, and we process the early alerts.to. So, weI trywish people knew to actually be in touch with those students. And that’s before they are ever on a suspension or probation list. So to me, that’s the most important part toutilize me is getting a hold of them, keeping them off of suspension.

But we do so much more than that. We register students. That's what I've been doing all day, just registering students. We work student orientation. And then when people call here, we often wind up taking care of something that's not even supposed to be donethat inconnector thiswith office.different Becausedepartments weon can,campus. weI don'tam wantan to push them over. And all of the transfer students come through us too,alum, as well as thea exploratoryformer, students.current, Soand wefuture parent of A-State students, so I really windtry upmy doing just whatever we're askedbest to do.help. And we all pitch in and just get it done.

It is a lot of networking and connecting them with the right people. So a lot of the times, it might seem like we’re passing them off, but we’re passing them to people who are much more experienced in those areas than we. But, weI don’t justever sayhave here, let me transfer you. You know, we findall the bestanswers, solutionbut for them.

What is your favorite hobby?

I likelove and feel passionate about connecting, whether that be a parent or student. I want people to read and I like to sew. It would be hard to pick between those two. But, I’m better at reading thanknow I am sewing.

Whatthey iscan yourreach favorite genreout to read?for

Right now, my very favorite is Appalachian. And magical realism, but that kind of changes over time. I just find the early life of the Appalachian Mountains, when they were settled, the things that they [settlers] brought here, their music, and things that they have in their culture. Everything is artistic to them, even their gardens. Quilts are art to them, and I just find it really fascinating. And then most of those stories have some kind of fairy or ghost or something going on that makes them a little bit more interesting.help.

If you could travel anywhere, where would it be?

Well,Honestly, I saw a movie years ago about Bora Bora, and I don’t know that I’m ever going to get there, but it wouldn’looks absolutely amazing. That’s probably where I would choose to go.

The best advice I ever received was…

I’ve gotten lots of good advice! My grandmother taught me from an early age to never judge a man until you walked a mile in his shoes. I know that wasn’t original to her, but that was important advice; I really do try to view a situation based on the other person’s perspective. I think that is an important quality or skill to have is to be outable of the country like most people are gonna think. It would probablyto be theempathetic Rockyfor Mountains.our Myfellow mom’sRed buried there, and every summer was spent there from the time I can remember until my mom died, so it would probably be there. Wolves.

If you could describe yourself in one sentence…

(laughs) I cannotwould doconsider that. Maybe just say I’m fun-loving and like to help people. I like to keep people laughing.

Cathy: What I know about you is your reputation with Halloween costumes…

Well, the contests I get my studentsmyself to be in.friendly, Nowcaring, Iintentional, justand dresssometimes up to entertain people. And usually for about two weeks, I'm somebody different every day. And I'm all in it. I do the competitions just for my kids so they can have some fun. We have a lot of fun so I’m not surprised that you know about my Halloween costumes.goofy.

What is theyour bestmost advicerecent you'vebinge ever received?show?

The TV show “Younger.” I wouldhave had several people say probablyI reminded them of one of the absolutecharacters, one that has stuck with me the longest… I got it from my grandmother when I was 16. She wrote it in a card and I still have it. She says. “Keep on smiling and spread your love around becauseso that’s what lifegot me started watching it.

What music is allplaying about.”in Andyour that'scar?

I’m old school and am still listening to the one.radio, Itso mightI’m notan beAir FM girl, 93.7. It’s encouraging, inspiring, and helps me to stay grounded and focused on what’s really important.

What event or experience led you to this career?

I have primarily worked in either healthcare or education, and when I learned about a position at my alma mater working with alumni, I was thrilled to jump at the best I've got, but that's the one that has lived here in my heart for a long time now. It's not professional advice, butchance. I thinkwas itexcited worksto wellcome inback the profession.

If you could have a different job or career, what would it be and why?

Probably an actress. Halloween costumes, you know. That’s probablyto what I wouldconsider be.home. I was born in Jonesboro, my life started geographically close to the university, I have lots of family connected to A-State in small ways, but still felt a part of A-State. I feel fortunate and grateful to be a part of a team where we truly are family and care about each other. We work together to really try to do our best in providing engagement and activities for alumni.