Alphia Curry, Administrative Associate in the School of Graduate Studies, has worked here since July 2004.
“The process of getting to know the job was overwhelming at first because there was so much to learn,” she said. “But after nine years, I think I have it down pat. As I acquire new responsibilities, I’m kept on my toes and things don’t get too monotonous.”
Just out of high school, Curry attended Longview Community College before transferring to UMKC.
“Completing classes at Longview and then transferring to UMKC only made sense, especially since I didn’t really have a vision of where I’d be in 10 years. I was (and still am) struggling with what I want to be when I grow up,” she said.
After a “short” break called life, Curry completed her Bachelor of Liberal Arts in 2010, and she appreciated the experience of being a student and staff member simultaneously.
“As I completed my last six semesters while also working here, it reminded me that we are here for the students,” she said. “It puts things in perspective of what we, staff and faculty, are all here for.”
Within the School of Graduate Studies, Curry manages fellowships, fee remissions, non-resident fee waivers, SGS travel grants, academic dishonesty processes, monthly financial reconciliation, Non-PO vouchers, and the completion of the Spotlight Newsletter. She said her favorite aspect of the job is helping the students.
“Even if it’s something very simple for me to do, the click of a mouse or a phone call to the right person, I have a feeling of accomplishment knowing I was able to assist the student and make their day,” she said.
She also enjoys watching the campus and community grow.
“We’ve come a long way from when I first attended classes,” she said. “The campus is beautiful and developing each year. I love seeing new buildings going up and hearing how we are ‘going green’ and reaching for sustainability.”
When she was younger, Curry wanted to become a firefighter. She even participated in several ride-a-longs with a KCFD friend.
“In the 5-7 ride-a-longs I went on, I only got to see one fire, but was on the scene of a car accident, on another scene where a woman died but they revived her, and participated in other daily activities of a firefighter,” she said. “I never got to fulfill that desire. To this day, when I see a fire truck race by, my mind wanders to what could have been had I followed through and pursued it.”
Most of Curry’s spare time is spent with her daughter, who will soon be 2 years old.
“Witnessing all of her ‘firsts’ is a joy, and I miss her every minute I’m away,” Curry said. “Right now, my husband and I are enjoying exploring life with her – learning, teaching, and loving. God is so good.”