I Spy Lesley Holody, a friendly face for computing sciences
Lesley Holody, administration specialist for the Department of Computing Sciences at Coastal Carolina University, could not possibly be more friendly and eager to help. She could talk with you all day if it weren’t for the line of faculty and students awaiting her attention.
Lesley and her husband Kyle J. Holody, assistant professor of communication at CCU, moved to Myrtle Beach in 2011 from Roanoke, Va. She started in CCU’s Office of Human Resources and Equal Opportunity in 2012 and moved to the Department of Computing Sciences in 2013.
“This position just fits me,” Holody said. “I love interacting with the students and being that person they’re comfortable going to.”
“When hiring, you make the best decision possible and then hope for the best,” said Nyoka Hucks, administrative coordinator for the College of Science. “Hiring Lesley was a great decision. She has lived up to our expectations and more. Lesley has a great smile that welcomes students and faculty. She also provides answers to their questions and goes the extra mile to help. We are so lucky to have her in the College of Science.”
There is no “normal day” for Holody. She is the only staff person in the department, and her interaction with students is her favorite part of the job. In addition of being the liaison between students and faculty, she welcomes all students to rely on her for assistance with problems in and out of the department. Holody helps students with changing majors and minors, registration, filling out related forms, and helping them through any predicament that comes their way.
“I just want students to feel like they can come to me for help, even if I’m not the person they need directly,” Holody said. “I’m happy to make the calls for them and point them in the right direction.”
“Working for Lesley has been an amazing experience,” said Hailey Crouse, student office assistant for the department. “She's so easy to get along with, and always tries to help everyone. Even if she can't answer a question, she will find someone who can. Mrs. Holody always has a friendly, welcoming smile on her face whenever you walk into her office. She'll help you with school things, or just chat with you about whatever video games you're currently playing or sci-fi movies you've just watched.”
Holody also supervises the 10 student tutors in the computing science department. She recruits the tutors to make sure that they are eligible, enters their time and makes their schedules, which is no easy job judging by the intricate flow chart she has made for them.
Holody is the go-to person for the faculty members of the department as well. She helps the department run smoothly, handling all the never-ending paperwork and purchasing. She also manages the department’s website.
Holody was elected to the Student Conduct Board last fall. The board consists of 10 elected faculty members, six staff members and 12 students who conduct hearings and appeals of students alleged to have committed violations of the Code of Student Conduct. Holody has also volunteered at every commencement ceremony since she has started working at CCU.
“I really enjoy being there with the students at the culmination of their time at CCU,” Holody said. “Sometimes the students tell me I’m more excited than they are, and it’s the truth!”
Outside of CCU, the Holodys enjoy going to the beach and spending time with each other and their Shih Tzu, Roby. They will be celebrating their 10th anniversary this year. They are big movie fanatics, Lesley’s favorite being the Harry Potter series. They will be going to Universal Studios Florida to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter for Spring Break. In her spare time, she likes to scrapbook and craft, her “best work” being a wreath she made out of ribbon.
The Holodys also participate in Meal M.A.N.I.A. (Millions Are Needing Immediate Aid), a volunteer opportunity sponsored by CitiIMPACT Ministries in collaboration with their church, Carolina Forest Community Church, to package soup starter kits. The kits are sent to those in need all over the world.
“Simply put, working with Lesley is an absolute pleasure,” said William Jones, chair of computing sciences. “When she joined our department in October 2013, it immediately became obvious that we were in excellent hands with Lesley. Not only is she an extremely dedicated administrative specialist who is always proactive across so many different aspects of the department’s operations, but she has also become an essential component of our daily success. Our unit is truly fortunate to have Lesley on our team.”
