Getting to Know: Lead Student Success Coach Antwan Perry

      In an effort to help students from enrollment to graduation Germanna Community College has launched a new Student Success Coach Program. The coaches will stay with students all the way through their time at Germanna, giving them the help they need to succeed in college and in life.

We'll meet each of the coaches in a series of Q&A profiles--Lead Student Success Coach Antwan Perry works with students at the Fredericksburg Area Campus in Spotsylvania.

Antwan Perry

·     Where are you from?

I am from Chesapeake and currently live in Fredericksburg.

Where did you go to high school and college?

I     I graduated from Oscar Smith High School in Chesapeake. I graduated from Hampton University with a B.A. in Political Science, M. Ed. From Regent University in Student Affairs, Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study from Regent University in Higher Education, and current Ed.D. student also at Regent University in Higher Education with an emphasis in Teaching.

How long have you worked at Germanna?

I have worked at Germanna for a little over 3 years.
What do you like about Germanna?

I like that everyone is focused on the success of the student. Germanna is very student-centered and student focused.

·     About being a Student Success Coach?

I like being a Success Coach because I get to focus my efforts on those students who might otherwise fall through the cracks without this specialized attention.
What’s the biggest challenge you face in your job?

The biggest challenge that I face is that I am limited to a certain number of students when so many others need help. I try to find balance by focusing on my assigned students, and checking in with those others who need help as well.

What’s your advice for Germanna students?

My advice is to take advantage of all of your learning opportunities, and enjoy the time as Germanna as much as you can because you never get this time back!

For students graduating from high school and thinking about college?

For those considering college I would say do it! There is no other experience like it in the world, and education can literally change the entire trajectory of your life!
For older students thinking about returning to college?

For older students I would say, do it! The maturity that one would bring to the classroom coupled with the desire to learn can make for a very successful student experience.
What misconception does the public have about community colleges and community college students?

One misconception about community colleges is that they are not comparable to four-year colleges and universities; in actuality faculty at Germanna also teach the same courses at other area 4 year colleges and vice versa. All VCCS colleges are accredited by the same accrediting body of 4 year colleges and universities in in Virginia and across the country. So this means GCC and UVA, UMW, and GMU, for example, are all accredited by the same accrediting body.

Are you married and do you have children?

I am married to Yolande, and do not have any kids yet. However, when we have a child, if it is a boy, I will name him Richmond…she hates that name.

Fun fact about you?

In college I was a drum major in the marching band. If you have ever watched the movie “Drumline” you can understand how exciting it is to hold that position in an HBCU marching band.

What’s your favorite book?

I do not have a favorite book; however, I love the mostly anything by Maya Angelou and Toni Morrison.

Your favorite movies?

My favorite movie is the academy award nominated move, “The Color Purple”; however, “Scarface”, “Mommie Dearest”, “Steel Magnolias” and “Dead Ringer” get honorable mentions.

Your favorite TV shows?

Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Golden Girls, Martin, and Family Guy

Your favorite sport and team?

The Hampton University Pirates!!!!!