Aminta Breaux

This edition of Who Makes Millersville Special features Dr. Aminta Hawkins Breaux, vice president for student affairs.  She has been with the University since March 2008.

Q: Why did you choose to come to the University?

A: I believe that Millersville provides an excellent educational experience for its students and upon visiting the campus and meeting members of the student body, the faculty and administration, I was excited about the opportunity to bring my experience to the Division of Student Affairs, and it has been an extremely rewarding three years.

Q: What are your main job responsibilities?

A: I provide administrative oversight and leadership for a number of departments that are focused on helping students to achieve academic, professional and personal success. Among the departments within my purview are: Student Health Services, Student Programs, the Millersville University Police Department, Judicial Affairs, Intercollegiate Athletics, Recreation and Intramural Sports, WIXQ, Campus Ministries, Housing and Residential Programs, Greek Affairs, Financial Aid, the Counseling and Human Development Center and the Elsie S. Shenk’s Women and Wellness Center.

Q: What would be a typical day for you?

A: No one day is the same and the variety in the work, as well as the diversity of the students, are the most positive aspects of the work that I do. My day might include attendance at many meetings to discuss any number of future planning activities, or to resolve a challenge or problem. I meet regularly with the senior management of the division including the new associate vice president and the two assistant vice presidents, as well as the directors who manage the departments within Student Affairs; together we work towards the development of programs and services in support of student development and success.

My schedule can also include attendance at a variety of student-related events including athletic competitions, performances, lectures or meetings. It may include activities off of the campus to meet with community leaders or to attend meetings at the PASSHE offices in Harrisburg. The highlight of my day is when I have the opportunity to talk with a student about their experience at the University.

Q: What skills help you the most in your position?

A: To be effective as a vice president for student affairs, first and foremost, you need to have a genuine interest and passion about working with students—during the positive as well as not so great times that some students will experience. When students are facing less than positive events in their lives, it is important to have good problem-solving skills and good listening skills. There is also a tremendous value in having good problem-solving skills and strong analytical skills when facing the many complexities of a university. It is also important as an administrator to have a strong knowledge of finance, management and good written and verbal communication skills.

Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

A: I enjoy the variety of the projects and programs on which I and the members of the student affairs division have the opportunity to work on behalf of the students and the institution, and I just enjoy the students. It’s wonderful to work with very capable, bright and creative students, and it’s exciting to have the opportunity to work collaboratively with the faculty and the other divisions at the University. I find it rewarding to know that the work that we do as administrators, faculty and staff can help students achieve their goals. There’s no better feeling than when you look out over the crowd at commencement and you see the graduates prepared to go out and make their mark in society. There is so much promise and joy in their faces.

Q: What is your professional background/training?

A: I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Temple University, a master’s degree in psychological services in education from the University of Pennsylvania and a doctor of philosophy degree in counseling psychology from Temple University.

Q: What do you like the most about Millersville’s campus?

A: The campus and the surrounding community are very picturesque, and the landscaping of the trees, shrubs and flowers throughout the campus during the year makes for a warm and welcoming campus. The pond especially adds a lot to the look and feel of the campus. It adds a peaceful and serene element that you don’t find on many other campuses. I am also excited about the completion of the Student Memorial Center and believe that it will offer a wonderful venue for students to eat, have fun, workout and just interact with one another and with other members of the campus community.

Q: What type of advice would you give to new students?

A: I would first suggest to new students that they take time to set their priorities and goals when they first arrive, and to stay focused on achieving those priorities and goals. The time will pass faster than you realize, and before you know it you will be graduating. Remember to take time out to enjoy the process of education. Knowledge doesn’t just happen. It comes with hard work, and by being open to new perspectives and new ideas. If you have all of the answers you wouldn’t need to be here, so remember that there is so much in this life to learn if you open yourself up to new experiences, new people and new challenges. Not everything will go just the way that you planned, and so most importantly, I would remind students to accept their failings and to learn from them.

Q: Where are you from?

A: I am from Philadelphia—specifically West Philadelphia originally, but later moved to Mt. Airy.

Q: What did you want to be when you were a child?

A: Initially I wanted to be teacher, and then I had thoughts of becoming a ballet dancer.

Q: Who do you admire?

A: I admire my parents for their intelligence, strength and guidance.

Q: Where would you go on a dream vacation?

A: My dream vacation is to travel to a nice hot tropical island where I can sit on a beach and just read and relax.

Q: Do you have a favorite memory about Millersville?

A: I have many fond memories in working with different individuals (the president, students and my colleagues) and getting to know them and just having good laughs from time to time about our respective choices in professional football teams (Fly Eagles Fly). I have especially enjoyed working with Student Senate and watching all that they do to support the student body. They carry out their responsibilities with great care and concern for meeting the needs of the students.

Q: What do you do to relax?

A: I like to read, listen to music and run on the treadmill.

Q: What are your hobbies?

A: I play golf, chess and occasionally enjoy ballroom dancing.

Q: Do you have a favorite quote you live by?

A: My father was an English teacher, but he also coached track and field, and early on he taught me and my siblings about The Five P’s: Poor planning prevents precision performance. It serves as a reminder to me of the importance of taking time to think and plan ahead and to do what is necessary to achieve your optimum performance. When I don’t hit the performance mark, I try to reflect on how I can better prepare for the next time, but, to never give up.