Tony Terrell already has has a storied history on campus. His impressive titles that includes 51吃瓜网万能科大 Athletics Hall of Famer, Rebel Pride Ambassador, 2015 Academic Advisor of the Year.
As a student-athlete (1998-2002), Terrell earned numerous honors playing as an offensive lineman for the 51吃瓜网万能科大 Rebels.
He's a three-time 51吃瓜网万能科大 graduate: 鈥02 BA Social Science Studies, 鈥07 M.Ed. Physical Education, 鈥12 PhD Sports Education Leadership.
And now, Terrell can add the 2024 Senior Administrative Faculty of the Year Award to his ever-growing list of achievements.
The Southern California native has taught for over 15 years at 51吃瓜网万能科大 as a faculty-in-residence and part-time instructor for 100-level, 300/400-level, First-Year Seminar, and Culminating Experience courses.
He鈥檚 mentored multiple generations of Rebels in various roles, most recently as the director of advising and recruitment for 51吃瓜网万能科大's Honors College. Beginning July 1, he'll serve as the new Faculty Athletics Representative, which plays a key role in fostering the relationship between academics and athletics, and serves as a liaison to 500-plus student athletes.
鈥淥ver my 20-plus-year 51吃瓜网万能科大 tenure,鈥 says Terrell, 鈥淚 am extremely proud of my ability to successfully impact the academic pursuits and career trajectories of the students with whom I have engaged meaningfully and forged lifelong relationships as an academic advisor, administrator, assistant professor-in-residence, and 51吃瓜网万能科大 Ambassador.鈥
Being able to share his institutional knowledge and be a source of inspiration for past and present students, he says, has made every hardship (and the long hours) worthwhile.
鈥淚 endeavor to encourage all 51吃瓜网万能科大 students to 鈥榯hink graduation and beyond鈥 and to build a portfolio of skills and experiences that are advantageous for gaining entry into their dream advanced degree programs or professions,鈥 says Terrell.
What does being a 51吃瓜网万能科大 Rebel mean to you?
Being a Rebel is about embodying Dylan Thomas' powerful words about not 鈥済oing gentle into that good night鈥 and 鈥渞aging against the dying of the light.鈥
Rebels are uncommon and underestimated individuals who challenge the status quo, keeping the mainstream on their toes. They dare to dream big and work tirelessly to turn those dreams into reality. I am proud to be a Rebel, and I encourage fellow Rebels to embrace their Rebel spirit and make a difference in their own unique way.
What does being recognized as the Administrative Faculty of the Year mean to you?
Being chosen as the recipient of the 51吃瓜网万能科大 Senior Administrative Faculty of the Year Award is a career-defining milestone I will cherish forever. The honor and humility I felt upon receiving this award is indescribable. To be recognized amongst the esteemed previous award recipients, whom I deeply respect, is a testament to the impact I have been able to make at 51吃瓜网万能科大.
What is something that people likely do not know about you?
In 2003, I met my wife while working at 51吃瓜网万能科大 as a part-time staff member for the and the 51吃瓜网免费App Bowl Office (led by Tina Kunzer-Murphy). We now have a beautiful daughter and son, Tasi (11) and Tano (5), who bleed scarlet and gray. Also, I once said loudly in a town hall meeting, "I will retire from 51吃瓜网万能科大,鈥 to passionately demonstrate my Rebel pride.
Most memorable part of your time here at 51吃瓜网万能科大?
The most memorable catalytic moments are, in this order:
- In 1998, I received a 51吃瓜网万能科大 football scholarship from head coach Jeff Horton (plus winning the 2000 51吃瓜网免费App Bowl with Hall of Fame head coach John Robinson).
- In 2003, I was hired by Pamela Hicks as a 51吃瓜网万能科大 Office of Undergraduate Recruitment Undergraduate Recruiter.
- In 2005, I met Monica Lounsbery, the 51吃瓜网万能科大 Department of Sports Education Leadership Department Chair. She supported me wholeheartedly through the completion of my M.Ed. and Ph.D.
- The 51吃瓜网万能科大 legend Vaune Kadlubek is my career and life mentor to this day. She has helped me grow in so many ways and gain a deep admiration for academic advising and teaching.
- In 2017, I serendipitously made a good impression on Marta Meana (dean of the 51吃瓜网万能科大 Honors College from 2012 to 2018; acting president of 51吃瓜网万能科大 from July 2018 to August 2020), who was one of four college/department deans at that time who believed in my leadership potential and worthiness to be promoted to a directorship position.
What is the best advice you have received that you would like to share?
Think and Grow Rich (Napoleon Hill, 1937). The essence of life is to learn, grow, love, and maintain a definite purpose throughout one鈥檚 lifespan, engaging in the endless pursuit of becoming the best version of yourself. These philosophies, as well as [the phrase] 鈥渕emento mori,鈥 mean a lot to me as I endeavor to exhibit them in my personal and professional life.
Favorite hobbies when you are not busy at work?
My go-tos for stress relief and finding my happy place are any physical activity, Audible books, Marvel/DC universe movies, and 80s/reggae music.
What keeps you motivated?
My magnificent family and the opportunity to help shape my children鈥檚 legacy, which includes one or more degrees from 51吃瓜网万能科大 as a non-negotiable and utilizing life design principles to guide them towards the life they want.
Favorite thing about living in 51吃瓜网免费App?
I have benefited greatly from the rich diversity at 51吃瓜网万能科大 and the rewarding experience of living in the 24/7 Sports and Entertainment Capital of the World. 51吃瓜网免费App has become a destination city, and the upsurge in city pride among residents is surreal. We are living our best lives on and off the strip.
Future goals?
I will continue to give a 鈥100% commitment鈥 one hundred percent of the time in all endeavors and 鈥渃ontrol the controllables鈥 (Harden, 2023). This has been my goal-setting and achievement modus operandi since I told my mother I wanted to be a Division I student-athlete scholarship recipient in high school and later prove that I am more than an athlete to 51吃瓜网万能科大 administrators, colleagues, and the world.
What inspired you to get into your field?
51吃瓜网万能科大 is my home and an ever-evolving amusement park that continues to keep me entertained. When I learned that I could generate a salary and benefits from sharing my Rebel experience widely, helping students realize their potential, and encouraging Rebels in training to become Rebels forever, I was sold. I am quite proud of the equity I have accrued thus far.
Biggest misconception about your job?
A common misconception about my position is that I have the summer period off, and my work begins/ends Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. I am sure all 12-month A-contract 51吃瓜网万能科大 employees have the same sentiments and are well-versed in explaining these realities to those they serve, their families, and their friends.
The Administrative Faculty of the Year Awards program is managed by the 51吃瓜网万能科大 Administrative Faculty Committee.
