Culture
A Day in the Life: Senior Student Success Advisor KeKoria Greer
This story is a part of our “A Day in the Life'' series that highlights the career journeys of 2U employees across the world. This article celebrates one of our 2020 No Back Row Award winners—an employee recognized for embracing one of 2U’s nine Guiding Principles. KeKoria Greer was one of two 2Utes selected as the winners of the Have Fun award.
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
These words by Nelson Mandela grace the very top of KeKoria Greer’s LinkedIn profile. As a No Back Row Award winner who always goes that extra mile to support students in 2U-powered programs, KeKoria—aka “KeKe”—lets Mandela’s words guide and inspire her each and every day.
Before joining 2U in October 2018, KeKoria found inspiration and fulfillment by traveling throughout the U.S. as a leadership consultant for the national headquarters and foundation arm of her undergraduate sorority. Working with student leaders, campus administrators, and fraternal organization members, she quickly learned the importance of strategizing and building trusted relationships.
KeKoria also enjoyed partnering with student leaders to reach their goals in the midst of what she refers to as “both the good and the unexpected.” Once she discovered 2U, she recognized clear overlaps between her consultant role and coaching students as they work their way through online degree programs.
Nearly three years later, with her easy-going personality and mad social skills, KeKoria beat out the competition to be able to take the virtual stage next week as one of two hosts for our 2021 Company Meeting. Read on to learn more about KeKoria’s life at 2U in her own words, including how she found her way to the company, what being acknowledged by her peers means to her, and her double life as resident DJ “Keeks Beats” for the company’s Daily Dose of Team Time (DDOTT) meetings and other special events.
Why did you join 2U? What is it about the company that sparked your interest?
Lexi McGee, a dear friend of mine and a 2U student success manager, told me about the company; we had both served as leadership consultants with our sorority. Her persistence and regular follow-up pushed me to just go for it. After researching 2U and reading about the company’s mission and nine Guiding Principles, I knew I had to apply. Once I got the offer, I actually moved to the D.C. Metro area from my original homebase in Birmingham, Alabama. I’ve always loved this part of the country. I interned on Capitol Hill when I was in college, so it felt like 2U was my sign to return.
How would you describe your role at 2U—and what do you find most rewarding about it?
My role as a senior student success advisor is to be that navigation system and thought partner for students as they proceed throughout their educational endeavors. My sole job is to make sure each student can be successful despite any of the challenges they may face. I specifically help coach and support students receiving their MBA from Syracuse University.
The most rewarding part of my job is working alongside students as they begin to achieve the goals they were once uncertain about. I love watching them turn that corner and continue on to complete their program, despite any obstacles and challenges.
Out of everything you’ve done at 2U so far, what gives you the most pride?
Last year, I felt a lot of pride partnering with 2U’s Community Steering Committee and DJing a 30-minute set for The United Way’s COVID-19 relief fund. Utilizing what you have to give to those in need is something my parents instilled in me at a young age, so this particular opportunity meant so much. I’ll never forget dancing and vibing out for a great cause over Zoom with over 700 2Utes from around the world. I also believe this is when the company officially discovered that I’m a DJ!
Each of 2U’s 2020 No Back Row Award winners were recognized for their commitment to one of the company’s nine Guiding Principles. What does this honor mean to you?
The award was truly an honor. 2U has allowed me to work alongside amazing individuals who will forever have an impact on me. When I first heard I was nominated for this award, I was overcome with gratitude. It got me thinking deeply about those I work with and the joy they bring me—so deeply that I was clueless about the impact I was having on them! Six months later, it remains an honor I’m still wrapping my mind around.
How would you describe the guiding principle you epitomize: Have Fun?
To me, “Having Fun” is centered around building community in the workplace. It’s intentional relationship-building infused with making spirits bright. In the midst of our hectic day-to-day work lives, finding and creating spaces for pure joy for those you work alongside is not only important but also necessary. We may never fully have the opportunity to truly know what our colleagues are going through, especially in these current times. This award to me is about carving out moments for letting ourselves be human with each other and appreciating each other’s company as we work toward common goals.