Tachia Awbrey

Tachia Awbrey is a local parishioner and newly converted Catholic at St. Josephs in Conway, and a native of Stuttgart, AR. Tachia has worked at the University of Central Arkansas for over a decade as an Education Counselor, and Freshman Year Studies Instructor. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations, and her Masters Degree in College Student Personnel and Administration both from UCA.  “My masters degree gave me great insight on the development of the college student socially, academically, and mentally.” 

“I have experience working in financial aid, residential colleges, recruitment, and academic advising.. When I was a college student, I didn’t have the best first year of college, and a lot of it had to do with not knowing how to adapt to the new culture that I arrived in. I was a first generation student, and I had no clue whatsoever!  I had lost my scholarship, and had to move back home. It wasn’t until several years later when I went back to school, that I realized that working with the college student population is what I wanted to do. My goal has always been to help remove those obstacles for students to make their journey much easier than mine was!”

Along with helping students transition into the collegiate culture, she has also been a trusted resource among peers, parents, and students. At church, she serves as an extraordinary minister, and has given presentations at a few W2W events.

Recently, Tachia felt a pull into a similar, yet different direction. “I knew that God was calling me to do something different, but I didn’t know what it was. I was offered other advising positions at Catholic universities outside of Arkansas, but I wasn’t sure if that was what I was supposed to do.” After much discernment, she then felt drawn towards the Campus ministry position. “Only the Holy Spirit could have pulled this all together. It was revealed to me that this path is not only what I wanted to do, but what I was called to do.”

Tachia is excited about being able to help, advise, counsel and mentor these students with her faith as the foundation.  “The opportunity to serve students not only as a Catholic and a higher education professional, but also being able to holistically be present for these young adults at a pivotal time in their lives brings me great joy!”

Tachia has two adult sons, Jake and Brandon. She loves to travel when she gets the chance, and spend time with her family.” I love college football, and I am a Tennessee Volunteer fan. (I worked there for a brief time, sorry Hog fans!).”  

All kidding aside, Tachia looks forward to engaging with students, family, faculty and staff from all of our colleges in the Conway Area.