When she isn’t adjusting to life as a Star, the new vice president for student affairs enjoys watching football and shopping.
Dr. Amy Ayres grew up in Velma, Okla., where she was involved in basketball, cheerleading, student council, and Future Farmers of America, showing pigs and sheep.
She attended the University of Oklahoma in Norman where she earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism.
During her time at OU, she was a member of the student association, the student activities council and student alumni board.
After graduating, she attended the University of North Texas in Denton where she earned a master’s degree in education and a doctorate of higher education.
Ayres served as the senior director of involvement and engagement at the University of Texas in Arlington before assuming her position at OCU.
“I hope to bring a fresh perspective to the campus,” Ayres said. “I have a passion for student affairs. I saw an opportunity to grow and help this campus grow as well.”
Ayres has worked in several areas on college campuses including student activities, drug and alcohol programs, student retention programs, alumni associations, and overseeing Greek Life.
“Every day is different,” Ayres said. “I love the spontaneity that comes with working with college students. I love that every day I can come to work and there is something different. It makes the work fun, interesting and challenging.”
Ayres said she came to OCU because she is a native Oklahoman and the thought of coming home appealed to her.
“To be able to do what I love close to home is wonderful,” Ayres said. “I’ve lived in Texas for 20 years and to come home is great. Also the close knit community was very attractive as well. Everyone is there to help if you need it.”
Ayres officially started the position July 1.
The position was left empty in July 2014 after Dr. Rick Hall retired after 13 years at OCU and a 40 year career in educational leadership.
Dr. Liz Donnelly filled the post on an interim basis.
“Amy is one of these take charge kind of people,” Interim Provost Kent Buchanan said. “When she sees something that needs to be done, she doesn’t mess around, she jumps on it.”
Ayres said she is going to spend her first year observing the university and it’s community.
“I want to take the opportunity to really observe and look closely at some policies that could use some tightening,” she said. “I have a motto which is to build a community and remove barriers to academic success.”
Ayres will work closely with Student Government Association as the organization’s faculty adviser.
“I look forward to working with her,” SGA President Chance Johnson said. “She is a charismatic person who has a lot to bring to the table.”
In her spare time, Ayres said she loves going to OU football games, shopping and traveling.
“I love garage selling or going to flea markets, as well as the mall,” Ayres said. “My girlfriends and I love to go traveling together too. We also are season ticket holders for OU football, so we spend a lot of Saturdays down in Norman cheering on the Sooners.”
Ayres said she is excited to become a part of the OCU family.
“I really do believe that in order to have the best experience it needs to have that family and community environment,” she said. “I hope that I can be a part of community that is so wonderful.”
Ayres said she has an open door policy for students.
“Whether they need a friend, a mentor, or just to talk, I am always here and my door is always open,” Ayres said.
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