During my first encounter with John at an interview, he said that his goal would be to see me grow as a professional and develop skills and experiences that would equip me for any direction my career would take me. Those words proved true, as I had the opportunity to work under John and experienced first-hand his genuine care, active listening, and willingness to share his insight and experiences to help me and others grow. Beyond our time working together, John continued to go above and beyond what was expected or required of him by continuing to be a mentor, sounding board, and encouragement as I pursued new career paths.
John can quickly see the potential in people and is gifted with the ability to encourage and equip others towards their goals. He meets people where they are at and holistically helps by caring not only about someone's career development or success, but also their overall well-being. His creativity, care, and insight work together in a way that makes John an invaluable mentor!
- Emily
I began my higher education career in 2018 at the University of West Georgia. At the time, I had no higher education experience and was grieving the death of my sister from cancer. My wife was working at UWG and told me about a colleague she believed would be a great connection for me. There was an opening as an Administrative Specialist in the Enrollment Services Center in the next few months. Having been recently connected to John, I asked him about his expertise with the position and if he would be willing to highlight my character and skills to the department. I ended up applying for the position and landed the job due to John's preparation and the respect others had around UWG for his recommendations and judgment of character.
After starting the job, John took me on as his mentee and helped me navigate the higher education field. This was nothing short of professional conduct, writing style, navigating conferences, and connecting with campus partners. The knowledge I acquired from John helped me flourish at UWG and landed me a position at Georgia
State University through another connected peer within John's network. Fast forward to now, it has been three years of me at GSU, but I recently, in October 2023, became the Assistant Director of the Student Financial Management Center. This is a huge accomplishment for me, as a black male and as someone who grew up in poverty. I can now open doors for those of all backgrounds who only need a positive role model and helping hand to guide them. I can provide the same efforts John provided me to others, and my story is just one of the many from the passionate work that John carries within his professional work and his personal life.
By trusting Guided Pathway Solutions, you're getting the help you need to succeed and making a lifelong partnership with someone who truly values helping others achieve their goals. I will forever be grateful for John and his willingness to help others - and today, we continue our professional relationship. Still, John also became one of my best friends as well.
- Brandon
I met John as a graduate student at the University of West Georgia and working as an Academic Advisor. I was brand new to the profession and higher education, and John took me under his wing every step of the way. His door was always open if I ever had questions or concerns or even just wanted to talk through things. Not only did he show me how to do the job as an advisor, but JB also showed me how to care about others through empathy and active listening. He challenged me to be better and live up to the potential he saw in me, even when I did not see it in myself. He even went as far as to help me craft my application documents (resume, cover letter, thank you protocol, etc.) and to practice my interview skills. I applied and interviewed for one position and landed it in record time. I 1000% attribute that to John's dedication to the process and me as a mentee.
Even after leaving UWG, JB kept in touch with me and helped me as I applied for promotional positions, developed presentations, and furthered my career in Career Services. What made it so significant was that he cared about my professional and personal development. I
no longer work in higher education. However, I am able to take my person-centered approach into my new career, and JB has helped me see the transferrable skills I possess. John is a well-rounded mentor who gives you full attention and has truly improved my career trajectory.
- Jackie