CCU’s Allie Tanner is the ultimate Chanticleer
The moment Allison Tanner stepped onto the Coastal Carolina University campus for a tour in 2007, she knew she had found her home away from home, and she's been bleeding teal ever since.
“I loved Coastal as a student, but my dedication to the University really grew as a staff member,” she said. "The various professional development opportunities like conferences and leadership trainings have shown me how much Coastal cares about its employees and the campus community as a whole."
Elizabeth Carter, director of wellness outreach at Coastal, nominated Tanner for Chauncey’s Champion, an employee recognition program. She cited her compassionate personality and excellent customer service. “She is always willing to help work toward solutions and keeps her composure in difficult situations,” said Carter.
Tanner, a native of Lexington, S.C., left her home, parents and two brothers to join Teal Nation in 2007. After completing her bachelor’s degree in Spanish with a minor in dramatic arts in 2011, she returned to campus to work for Ticketing and Patron Services and also pursued a Master of Arts in Writing.
Eventually, she found her way to the Dean of Students Office where she served as administrative coordinator. She is currently transitioning from the Dean of Students Office to Executive Initiatives with her supervisor, chief of staff and vice president Travis Overton.
At work, Tanner’s goal is to support her area in any way she can, helping out with whatever her supervisor or co-workers need. She serves as a jack of all trades, maintaining multiple schedules, booking appointments and working on a variety of projects.
“In working to serve students at Coastal Carolina University through the passion for this place, there is not a person that can match Allie,” said Overton. “She will work tirelessly to make Teal nation a better place and she has worked to make an impact on any person that she meets. Allie is a true embodiment of service excellence and several areas of the University has strongly benefitted from her commitment over her years as both a student and staff member.”
In addition to her duties in Executive Initiatives, she had her first opportunity this past semester to teach a section of the First Year Experience class that helps incoming students transition to college life.
“My class was amazing, and I am so lucky to have had the chance to work with that group of students,” she said. She wanted to give her students something special to thank them for a great semester, so she hand-painted art canvases for any student who wanted one.
During her time as a CCU student, Tanner got involved and tested the limits of her comfort zone, which resulted in life-changing experiences. She attended the job fair offered on campus during her first semester at CCU and landed a job at Wheelwright Auditorium. She connected with her Spanish professors who helped her organize and complete a study abroad trip to Ecuador for five months during her senior year.
Her passion for CCU extends far beyond her desk at work. She loves participating in University activities. During football season, she can be found tailgating and cheering on the Chanticleers at Brooks Stadium. When baseball season comes around, she enjoys relaxing in the sun at home games.
Allie began kayaking with equipment she rented from University Recreation and has been on white-water rafting trips offered by University Recreation. She now owns her own kayak and enjoys traveling to participate in outdoor water activities. “I love water and anything water-related,” she said. “I am completely content whether I am on a kayaking trip or just hanging out at the beach."
The connections Tanner has made with the campus and community have helped create the ultimate family environment she always hoped to find in a career.
“Coastal is a community of its own, and it ended up being the perfect fit for me,” she said.
Chauncey's Service Excellence Champions are University employees (faculty or staff) who perform service-oriented actions that meet at least one dimension of service quality. These employees are recognized for outstanding performance and embody the feel the teal initiative. To nominate someone for Chauncey's Champion, visit coastal.edu/feeltheteal, fill out the form and submit it. Nominees will receive an exclusive Chauncey's Champion pullover as well as consideration for additional recognition, including shout-outs on social media, a feature in the monthly faculty/staff newsletter, public recognition at CCU sporting events and more!
