Meet Quortina Phipps, senior academic advisor in the College of Science! For her undergrad, Quortina attended LeMoyne-Owen College in Memphis, TN to major in Music (Vocal Performance) with a minor in Humanities. She graduated with Distinction from the Music Department with several professional musical accolades. Afterwards, she attended University of Memphis for her graduate degree in Music (Vocal Performance - Opera) and received her M.Ed. from Strayer University in Washington, D.C. in Education (Educational Management). Throughout her studies, she always appreciated her own academic advisors and their guidance, and was inspired to help others in the same way. Check out Quortina's advisor interview here and be sure to contact our Advising Office if you need to schedule time with one of our excellent academic advisors!

Q: Why did you get into academic advising?

As a first-generation college student in undergrad, I was very excited to go to college but did not know a whole lot. I was also fascinated with various subjects, so I changed my major a few times. My academic advisors were always very kind, patient, informative and honest with me about my choices and potential outcomes. The help that was given to me was so inspiring that during my undergrad I became a peer mentor so that I could help my colleagues as well as younger students with their courses and academic goals. I loved this so much that I decided to pursue a career in Academic Advising. Ultimately my goal as an academic advisor is to give back by helping our future leaders achieve their academic, personal, and career goals, because there were academic advisors that helped me to become successful.

Q: What is your favorite part about your job?

My favorite part about my job is meeting and helping our diverse student population. I especially love seeing students have their "light bulb" moments because that is when I know that they have grasped a concept. The other part I love about my job is commencement. Seeing students graduate is so satisfying to me. Also, the students keep me young!

Q: What is the last thing you read for fun?

I love reading autobiographies and memoirs. The last book I read was "Lead from the Outside: How to Build Your Future and Make Real Change" by Stacey Abrams.

Q: What is your favorite thing about UNT?

My favorite thing about UNT is the diversity and family atmosphere. I truly feel like I have never met a stranger on campus. Everyone is very nice and helpful.

Q: What do you do in your spare time?

In my spare time, I enjoy listening to music and singing with my husband. We are former classical singers so we like to delve in many genres of music. Other than that, when I can, I love hanging out with friends and family as well as traveling.

Q: What is the best advice you can give to our COS students?

The best advice I can give to COS students is to tell them that "you are not alone". If you have any problems or concerns, please do not keep those issues to yourself. Know that your academic advisor can help you or know someone who can help you with your various needs confidentially.

For more information about our advisors or setting up an appointment, please visit https://cos.unt.edu/advising