UNCG Academic Staff Is Second To None

GREENSBORO, N.C. – Student-athletes consistently walk through the glass door and into a well-lit academic paradise of cubicles, computers, and caring staff members. 

Whether they are sitting at high tables working on a group project together or sitting in one of the comfortable chairs with their notebooks out on their laps and air pods in their ears finishing a report, UNC Greensboro's student-athletes enjoy a space that nurtures their growth, instills confidence, and provides them the perfect support to excel in the classroom and life. 

The group that cultivates a trusting environment is UNCG's Spartan Academic Support Services (SASS) staff of Kristin Rusboldt, Jennell Wade, Peter Antognetti, and Joshua Liddell. Also, part of the team this year was graduate intern Maggie Chervney, who recently landed her first job at N.C. State in Academic Support Program for Student-Athletes (ASPSA) and undergraduate intern Shyla Ristine is currently applying to graduate schools in Sports Administration.

Serving as the associate athletics director for student-athlete support services and diversity & intercultural engagement, Rusboldt, who loves all things Disney, uses the philosophy of her favorite company to create a memorable experience for student-athletes and her staff.

“Working at Disney World as my first job out of college changed how I saw the world of athletics,” Rusboldt said. “As academic professionals, we are here to provide the best 'guest experience.' We must have the same goals as a staff: - to serve the student-athletes, coaches, and staff - and make sure that everyone who walks through our doors has the best experience. 

“When you create a culture with the same vision and values, the people who are doing the nitty-gritty everyday grind want to do it the best way they know. And we support each other in doing that and remembering our collective why. The average person doesn't see what we do day-to-day, but thankfully they can see the positive outcomes of classroom success.”

 They are all former student-athletes which provides them with a unique perspective. 

Rusboldt swam at Western Kentucky. Wade, the assistant director and learning specialist, ran track and cross-country at Maryland Eastern Shore. 

An academic coach and student-athlete development coordinator, Antognetti played basketball at Endicott College. Liddell, who serves as an academic coach and student-athlete development coordinator, played football at the University of Arkansas and for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

It's not every day that your academic department can boast a former NFL player as part of its team to impact the lives of student-athletes. 

It's a combination of hard work, tough love, and relationship building for the Spartan academic team.

“I always make sure I find a way to connect with the student-athlete outside of their sport,” Wade said. “I want them to trust me so when it comes time for a serious conversation, if needed, we can be honest with what the outcome may need to be. We all are great at getting to know the student-athlete first and learning what works best for them. I think they are so used to the work and grind that they truly appreciate when they can vent and take a breather.”

Behind the scenes, they are working with professors and coaches. They are having individual meetings with student-athletes. Most of all, they have fun and enjoy being around each other. The personalities of the department seamlessly blend. 

They enjoy lunch outings together and play board games to build camaraderie. 

Their tireless efforts have been respected and noticed by many student-athletes.

“Teamwork makes the dream work,” UNCG sophomore women's basketball player Jordan Releford said. “Peter, Jennell, Josh, and Kristin have helped us in so many ways. They've handled every academic uncertainty or misunderstanding we've had throughout the school year. We truly appreciate them and are so grateful for their support and help as we balance our sports and academics.”

The grades are one part of the success equation for the staff. Sharing moments like graduations, family celebrations, and witnessing dreams come true motivate the entire team and keep them excited about their work. 

 “I had a student recently apply to a new major program,” Antognetti said. “We knew it was up in the air whether she would be admitted or not. I was checking her DegreeWorks multiple times a day and waiting for her decision to post. Then one morning, after about a week, I saw she was accepted. It made my day. Moments like that recharge and motivate me. The little victories make it all worth it.”

The bond goes beyond work.

 “Josh and I are always texting on the weekend about his Arkansas Razorbacks and my Boston Celtics and New England Patriots,” Antognetti said. “Then there's Jennell. We often joke in the office that she's my long-lost big sister. We're both so similar to one another. And she's always there for me whether I'm struggling professionally or personally. And then Kristin; seriously, she treats her staff like gold. 

“She is so positive, kind, forgiving, and supportive of us. Her nurturing and caring personality makes us all feel comfortable not being perfect and pushing ourselves to be our best. I think the four of us have already started to implement an organizational culture that fosters a caring, passionate, hardworking, and just straight-up fun place to be. And we always know that no matter what happens, the four of us have each other's backs.” UNCG