Tag: WISE

By: Beth Anne Johnson

Stephanie Henry, the WISE Associate Director who knows firsthand what it’s like to carve a unique path through higher education. As a nontraditional student, Stephanie didn’t take the typical route to college—but her journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and finding your calling.

Stephanie always knew she wanted to help people, but she wasn’t sure how. After high school, she entered the workforce at a textile mill while attending technical college, where she excelled academically, maintaining an impressive 4.0 GPA. Even with her success, Stephanie realized that textiles weren’t her forever path. That realization led her to pursue higher education and, ultimately, her passion for mentoring and empowering others.

Now, as she works toward her Ph.D., Stephanie is using her journey to inspire others—especially nontraditional students. Here’s her heartfelt advice:
1. Get involved.
“Join a club or take a fun class. Leisure classes aren’t just for first-year students—they’re a great way to connect with peers and explore new interests.”
2. Embrace the mentor role.
“Nontraditional students bring so much to the table—real-world experience, unique perspectives, and valuable life lessons. Don’t hesitate to share your insights with others.”
3. Be present on campus.
“Immerse yourself in the college experience. Go to events, explore downtown, and take in the culture—it’ll make your journey more meaningful and fulfilling.”

Stephanie also reflects on her early college days:
“I wish I hadn’t felt so out of place or isolated. Nothing external made me feel that way—it was my own insecurities about being older than the average college student. Looking back, I see how much I had to offer and how important it was to embrace my unique journey.”

Stop by and Say Hello!
Stephanie’s story is a reminder that there’s no one-size-fits-all path to success, and every student brings something valuable to the community. She’d love to meet you! Stop by her office in Freeman 138 to say hello, introduce yourself, and maybe even share your own story.

Stephanie’s journey proves that with the right mindset, you can thrive—no matter where you start or how unconventional your path may seem. Let her inspire you to embrace your own unique journey!

By:  Beth Anne Johnson

We’re thrilled to welcome Stephanie Henry as the new Associate Director of Women In Science and Engineering (WISE) here at PEER & WISE. With a passion for youth outreach and a wealth of experience in student services, Stephanie brings a fresh perspective and boundless enthusiasm to our team.

“Expect great work from Stephanie,” shares Serita Acker, Executive Director of PEER & WISE. “Stephanie has a strong work ethic; she is an emerging leader that you want to watch, and the students have so much to gain under her leadership.”

When asked what initially drew her to join our team at PEER WISE, Stephanie shared, “I started my Clemson career working with youth programs, I was familiar with PEER & WISE from very early on. It was known as being one of those long-standing flagship programs at Clemson. Although I enjoyed my work with Graduate Student Services, I wanted to have an opportunity to put my degree in Youth Development to work, as well. This position was the perfect blend of student services and youth outreach.”

Stephanie’s background is as diverse as it is impressive, with extensive experience in working with youth, pre-collegiate programs, nonprofits, and student services. “In my current role, I get to do a little of all those things!” she shared enthusiastically.

What excites Stephanie the most about being part of our team? “I feel like I get to do something different every day. There aren’t many days here that look the same, and I enjoy and appreciate that. For the first time in a long time, I feel like I am getting the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others, especially the WISE mentors. They are one of the best components of the job!”

As for her goals during her time here, Stephanie is focused on making a tangible impact on student development. “I want the whole campus to know who our mentors are. I want them to be identifiable by the way they conduct themselves outside of our office and for the impact they have on other students. PEER & WISE has strong academics, and I’ll continue that legacy by teaching students areas like self-awareness, communication, emotional intelligence, stress management, and leadership skills.”

Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys spending time with her family, attending football games (go Tigers and Carolina Panthers!), and indulging in her love for live music events. “I’m always buying concert and music festival tickets,” she admits with a smile. “Besides that, I tend to be a homebody and spend as much time on the couch with my two dogs and four cats as possible.”

Join us in welcoming Stephanie to the PEER WISE family! We’re excited to see the incredible impact she’ll make on our students and community.

#PEERWISE #WomenInSTEM #ClemsonUniversity