I Am West Georgia

Name: Jela’ni Dais- Cole

Job title: Assistant Director for Administrative Operations.

What I really do: Work with housing assignments and billing, marketing and special events (i.e. Move In Day). Truly, I have an awesome team of staff and student assistants who make my job fun, and we laugh everyday. I’m grateful for their energy and enthusiasm behind what we do as a department.

Years at UWG:Five.

Before UWG: I was a full graduate student at Clemson University.

I came to UWG because: I graduated from UWG in 2003. I came back to UWG because I wanted be closer to friends and family. I felt like returning to UWG would allow me to be here at a time when there were a lot positive things happening for our students. Since I’ve returned to UWG, we’ve built the Coliseum, Greek Village, the Stadium and the Campus Center, just to name a few. Looking forward, I know that our campus will only make the student experience even better.

I was born in: Georgia.

Family members are: I am married to Andra’ Cole (UWG graduate), and we have a dog named Roxie. My parents are Eunice and Charles Dais.

People describe me as: Hardworking, ambitious and funny (at times!).

Most colleagues don’t know that: I love to read, and I craft in my spare time.

Favorite things to do: Shop! I have to admit that I am a fan of retail therapy.

Favorite quote: "I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage and tangled Christmas tree lights. I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life. I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as making a 'life.' I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back. I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I've learned that I still have a lot to learn. I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." – Maya Angelou

Proudest accomplishment so far: My graduation from UWG and Clemson are my proudest moments thus far.

Pet peeve: Lack of organization. I like for things to be in their place.

Best advice ever received: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” – Matthew 6:34

Best advice for new faculty and staff: Connect with people outside of their departments.

What I most want to contribute to students: I really want to challenge our students to come to West Georgia and get the most of their experience. Try something new, join an organization, take ownership of their academic experience, be involved in their residence hall, everything. UWG has the potential to create positive lasting impressions on each of our students.

The book everyone should read: Just one? I love to read.

The movie everyone should watch: Anything that makes you laugh. Laughter is good for the soul.

The person dead or alive I’d most like to meet: Oprah Winfrey.

The place I’d love to travel to: I’d love to go to visit Greece and Australia.

Although you didn’t ask, I’d like to tell you anyway: Sign up to help with Move In Day! It’s a fabulous way to connect with our new students and their parents. We receive such positive feedback about our campus, the volunteers and our staff each year that this program takes place. Helping with Move In Day gives our new students a sense of the UWG family and teaches them from day one what being a Wolf is all about.