Student worker in the spotlight: Chris Williams

I've said it before, and I'll likely say it again. We at the library believe that our student workers are the cream of the crop. Chris Williams, however, would stand out in any group, and not just for his distinctive fashion sense (a legacy he says he inherited from his grandfather).

A junior from Decatur, Chris is in his third year at Reinhardt and his third year working for us. The 20-year-old business administration major has definitely made his mark since he's been here. He's an RA, a member of the Student Government Association, a member of Students in Free Enterprise and a McCamish School of Business representative. Among the many honors and recognitions he's received over the past few years: Dean's List, two years in Who's Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities, Homecoming Court representative for three years running, and the McCamish School of Business Leadership Award. One day he hopes to become a business counselor and advisor, helping small businesses get established and existing businesses become more successful.

Chris remembers vividly the day he decided to check out Reinhardt College. "[Admissions Counselor] Jessica Burris came to the college day at my high school. She was so enthused about Reinhardt that it made me remember her while I was making my decision. I took a campus tour and was very pleased with what I saw. Lo and behold, Jessica was here when I got here," Chris says. "It was one of the best decisions that I have made thus far." Now as a telecounselor at the Admissions House and a Reinhardt Captain (I try not to heckle him too much when he gives a tour of the library), Chris shares his own Reinhardt experience with prospective students.

With such a busy schedule as Chris has, one might wonder how he has time for his studies, let alone his work here at the library, but he manages to excel at both while maintaining his "cool" and his pleasant attitude.

"If there is one thing that Chris knows, it's how to be cool and calm in any situation," says Circulation and ILL staff member Stephanie Olsen. "We had a community woman walk in one day behaving very erratic, and she literally charged Chris, laughing and cackling all the while. He remained totally calm and defused the situation, but this was not too surprising as Chris is always fantastic with patrons. What a gem! We are really quite fortunate to have him."

Chris says he enjoys working with us because the library staff is "like a family."

"I feel so comfortable when I come in to work," he says. He credits his time at the library with teaching him to be "very detailed and more organized."

However, the most valuable thing Chris says he's learned during his time at Reinhardt? "That life is kinda like college. You have to do the best that you can, and ask God that He will come in and fill in the gaps," he explains. "Just like some classes, there are certain facets of life that won't come naturally to you, but with God you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you."