Unimportant Questions with Important People: Barbara King, Associate dean of student affairs

Alyssa Stencavage, Staff Writer

November 15, 2011

What does your job entail?
I am the chief disciplinary officer for the university. I deal mostly with student problems, some that they come with, some that they create for themselves and some that are completely out of their control. I am also adviser to Off Campus Council and Commuter Council.

What are your likes and dislikes about your position?
There really isn’t anything I dislike about my job. I wish life was easy for everyone and students didn’t have problems that would bring them to my office, but I don’t really have any dislikes.

What is the best way to relax after work?
Walking with my husband and dog.

Do you have a favorite hobby?
My dog is my hobby. I also do a lot of needlework and listen to old rock music.

What is your main goal in being in this position?
Working with students and helping them find the right direction. It is like an out of the classroom education in order to navigate life.

What is your favorite television show?
It used to be “Saving Grace.” Now the only channels I watch are “Bones,” “Criminal Minds,” “Hawaii 5-0” and the Yankees Channel.

Is this the career you always saw yourself in?
It is far different than my degree in business, but since being at Wilkes, yes.

What is the best part of your job?
Working with students and, at graduation, seeing students walk across the stage and accomplishing. Helping them make changes and contributing to those changes in some way.

Where is your favorite vacation spot?
I travel a lot, so it always changes. I like Kyoto, Japan and Key West, Fl. is also one of my favorites. I also love New York City.

What is our favorite aspect of Wilkes?
I have been here for a long time- 32 years-so it is like home for me. The working relationships with the people I work with every day are special to me and the students are fun.

What was your very first job you had?
I was 17 when I got my first job at a Kmart- like department store that is no longer in business. I lived in the country so it was hard to get to one until then.

What has been your best experience at Wilkes so far?
I met my late husband here.

Since the beginning of your time at Wilkes, have you seen the majority of students return year after year?
Yes, there has been a return. The retention rate has also improved.

If you had to do one thing differently since your time here, what would it be and why?
I am not sure what I would do different. I can’t really give an answer.

What is No. 1 on your bucket list?
Traveling to Tasmania.

What is your favorite book or movie?
I read a lot as well, so I can’t really say. I read a lot of mystery; my favorite author is Henning Mankell, and I like many other Scandinavian mystery writers. There is a whole genre.
I also like nonfiction and right now I’m in the middle of “Vietnam.” As far as movies I don’t like chick flicks. “Independence Day” is a good one, and I also like the movie “MASH,” which I would say is the best comedy movie ever made. A really good one I saw recently is “Midnight in Paris,” directed by Woody Allen, and I will even admit, like most of my generation, that I love the “Sound of Music.” We are the prime age for that.

What advice can you give to the students at Wilkes?
Take advantage of every opportunity, try not to do anything that will reflect upon you in the future, enjoy every minute of college life (within reason), and when in the position to do so, give back to Wilkes.

About the Contributor

Alyssa Stencavage, L&A&E Editor

Alyssa Stencavage is a junior communications studies major at Wilkes University with concentrations in broadcast media and public relations, as well as a minor in marketing. She began her time at The Beacon as a freshman in 2011, when she worked as a staff writer and became the assistant life editor at the start of her sophomore year. She currently is campus life editor. During her sophomore year, she participated in an independent study with the Times Leader, and was also involved with an account team on the Zebra Communication Board during her junior year. She also works with the Wilkes television station, Wilkes Now. Before coming to Wilkes, she wrote for her high school newspaper, while also playing volleyball and running track. Outside of school, Alyssa works as a cashier at a local grocery store and is the oldest of three children. She enjoys listening to music, taking walks and spending time with family and friends. Alyssa believes her experience with The Beacon has improved her as a writer and will help her achieve success beyond her years at Wilkes. In the future, she would like to be an anchor at a local television station.