This is an occasional series of UNCG athletic "Staff Spotlights."
GREENSBORO, N.C. – Jennell Wade is a Learning Specialist and Academic Coach. She was a standout cross-country and track athlete at Maryland Eastern Shore.
Wade was hired at UNCG in February 2020.
Among her duties at UNCG are working with student-athletes on learning and studying strategies designed to enhance academic performance, coordinating and supervising study hall activities, tutoring sessions and approving course-related books and serving as a resource to the tutorial and Spartan Academic Support Services staff.
In addition, Wade counsels and advises student-athletes in establishing realistic and attainable goals regarding course and major selection, study skills, time management and career choices. She also supervises the SASS intern.
Prior to UNCG, Wade worked at Mercer as an Academic Coordinator of Student-Athletes and the University of Memphis as an Assistant Athletic Academic Counselor.
While at Memphis, Wade was also a social media intern in which she highlighted academic, professional and community service accomplishments of student-athletes. She worked as an assistant cross-country coach and tutor assistant for the Charles County (Md.) Board of Education.
Wade was born in Wytheville, Virginia and grew up in White Plains, Maryland.
Learn more about Wade with this quick bio blast.
How did playing sports in college help prepare you for the role you are in now at UNCG? "Playing sports in college prepared me for working with student-athletes because I know exactly how it felt to be in their shoes (day-to-day routine). Knowing all the struggles with being a full-time student and athlete is very hard work, I know that it takes a certain type of person to help with all the needs and sometimes wants."
What does working at UNCG mean to you?
"It means a lot to me because I really enjoy what I do and the staff that we have in academics. A good fit is important and since I've started here, I can say I know UNCG is where I'm supposed to be."
Wade Bio Blast
Favorite TV Shows: Monk, 90-Day Fiancé, Married at First sight
What Are You Listening To: Drake, Ella Mai, Trey Songz
Last Book Your Read/Currently Reading: "The Hate You Give."
Favorite Websites: Target/Amazon.
First Job: Foot Locker.
Favorite Sports Teams: Oakland Raiders (Was my dad's favorite team so now it's mine)- Las Vegas Raiders now (I don't like the name change lol).
Talent he would most like to have: I would love to be able to draw. Sadly I can't at all.
Favorite Food: Tacos.
Favorite Restaurant: Cheesecake Factory and Maggiano's.
Hero: My Dad.
Bucket List: Go ziplining and travel to Hawaii.
Favorite Movies: Terminator, X-Men, Lethal Weapon.
What is One Thing People Don't Know About You/Fun Fact?: My dream would be to open up my own rescue and spa for dogs that are mistreated/don't have good homes.