A Q&A with College Commencement Organizer and Academic Services’ Lisa Summerford

Lisa Summerford
Assistant Dean in the Office of Academic Services
Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences

In this conversation, Summerford talks about the extraordinary way her team has tackled organizing Commencement for the college during the pandemic; being a part of the Dean’s Office for the past 30-plus years and loving helping students from “start to finish” in their academic careers; and the joy of having five sisters to travel with and a family she enjoys cheering on while they participate in various sports and activities that make life more fun.

Q: Tell us a little about your research, academic passions and/or role within the college. What excites you about this?

The Office of Academic Services touches a lot of areas that impact the students’ lives while enrolled in Fulbright College.

I’m not sure that many people realize what all really happens in our office. Sometimes, even I am amazed when I start thinking about it.

I’ve said frequently that we pull off some pretty miraculous work in there. =)

I like the idea that I can say that the Office of Academic Services plays a role in the “start to finish” of a student’s academic career and that I hope that we make a positive impact in most cases.

Q: How long have you been at Fulbright College? What have you enjoyed most about your time here?

I have been with the Fulbright College Dean’s Office since November of 1989.

However, I worked in a Fulbright College department for a couple of years. During that time, I had the privilege of getting to know and to work with the staff in the Dean’s Office.

I would like to think that my work there was something that may have influenced the decision to hire me in the Dean’s Office.

Q: What has it been like planning Commencement ceremonies during the pandemic?

To be perfectly honest … this is one of the most difficult things I have had to do.

I have always felt very confident in my ability to pull together commencement each year, but I have second guessed myself and my decisions all the way through this.

I’ve even cried … and I don’t do that much.

Working with more than one ceremony has presented some very unexpected disappointments for students and families and that has really been hard to deal with.

Q: What do you most hope your students or colleagues remember from their interactions with you?

That I was fair in my decisions … even when I had to tell them “no.”

Q: What do you like to do during your time outside of the university?

I always loved following my kids in their activities, and now that my kids are grown my grandchildren are competing in various sports. I try not to miss an opportunity to cheer them on.

I also like to be physically active. =) My favorite way to do this CrossFit. I love the challenge that it presents!

AND I love traveling with my sisters. You may see a photo with a group of six women … that’s them!

I have five sisters and we are very close and try to make a trip together at least once a year and any other time that we can squeeze another one in.

Q: What’s up next on the horizon for you?

I expect to retire in the next couple of years and when that happens, I will likely figure out a way to do a little more traveling and of course hanging out with my husband, children and grandchildren.

I kind of like them a whole lot!!!!!

Q: Do you have any special messages for our graduating students?

Be mindful of the people around you every single day and recognize that they may be facing challenges that you may not be aware of. Please be supportive.

Also, remember your friends, faculty and staff here at the U of A. We are proud of you and expect great things from you.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add or let readers know?

I’m glad that I have had the opportunity to “grow up” in Fulbright College.

I have met some great people along the way, and I have learned a lot.

And I am still learning! I always said that if I was no longer challenged by my job that it would be time to move on. Either I am a slow learner, or the challenges just keep coming.