SGS Staff Spotlight: Quincy Bennett Johnson, Student Services Coordinator II

Quincy Bennett Johnson

Quincy Bennett Johnson

Quincy Bennett Johnson, Student Services Coordinator II for the School of Graduate Studies, has earned her Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees at UMKC. She joined UMKC in 1998 as an Administrative Assistant. As her duties evolved, she was promoted within the department to her current position.

When asked about her favorite positions at UMKC or elsewhere, she says her favorite positions have been her volunteer positions.

“My favorite was probably serving as a reading tutor of Literacy KC,” she said. “It was great seeing my student’s increased interest in learning.”

Within SGS, Quincy is charged with managing admissions for the Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Program, monitoring various aspects of IPhD student progress, and managing the SGS grant and fellowship competition.

Of all of her SGS tasks, Quincy said she most enjoys watching the excitement of newly admitted students, and helping applicants and students overcome obstacles.

As a child, Quincy wanted to be a veterinarian.  “By high school, I decided I wanted to be a forensic pathologist like Dr. Quincy [the main character on the 1970’s television series, Dr. Quincy, M.E.],” Of that aspiration she said, “I wasn’t very good at mathematics, and because chemistry was the only science class I enjoyed and passed with a decent grade, medical school just didn’t seem like a viable option. Do I still want to achieve it? It could be kind of fun, but mathematics and science never got easier.”

If she were not working with SGS, Quincy would avoid a 9-5 position.

“I would have amassed a great fortune (not sure how) and would spend every day and every dollar taking care of abandoned dogs, cats, (maybe) children, or whoever needed help.”

Quincy wants students to know that she is here to help, and that their success is her success.  “I feel great joy in watching students succeed and so excited that I am able to be a small part of that success.”

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