For 16 years, University of Memphis educator Bill Akey has played a major role in the academic counseling of U of M students. It's earned him a position as assistant vice provost for enrollment services.
Student Relations office coordinator Norma Price said Akey is an excellent worker.
"He is very deserving of the promotion," Price said. "I always enjoyed working with him."
With Akey's promotion Jan. 8, came the responsibility of overseeing several departments dealing with undergraduate enrollment issues. He is in charge of seven departments: Admissions, Financial Aid, Scholarships, Student Relations, Registrars, Adult Student Development and Enrollment Systems.
"I am excited about my job," Akey said. "So far it has been very exciting. I want to do the best I possibly can."
Akey said he has several goals that he wants to accomplish as assistant vice provost for enrollment services.
"I want to look at The U of M institutional undergraduate enrollment goals and try to establish the initiatives we need to realize those goals," Akey said. "We also want to establish and meet the goals the new president will set."
Although Akey admits this can be difficult, he is committed to doing the best job possible.
Don Carson, vice president for student affairs and vice provost for enrollment students, said his goal is for Akey to pull The University together and provide leadership for a comprehensive enrollment program.
"Bill is doing an excellent job and he is well prepared for this position," Carson said. "He has a good understanding of issues involving enrollment."
Akey has been at The U of M as either a student or employee since 1977m when transferred here as an undergraduate psychology major.
Following his graduation in 1981, with a bachelor's degree, he started working on his master's in counseling and graduated in 1982. Akey soon started working on his education specialists degree and earned that in 1987. In 1985 he began working as an academic counselor and in 1993 was promoted to director of student relations.
