Helen Manley is the Manager of Student Life & Leadership Development at Prairie State College. She has been a pillar of the Prairie State College community for 23 years, and is a familiar face around campus. Helen Manley is also the advisor for the SGA and BSU, and was formerly the advisor of the Pioneer student newspaper for 14 years. Helen Manley is beloved by many students and faculty members at PSC; she is a very active presence on campus, often organizing many of the fun activities and events that happen throughout the school year.
After graduating high school, Manley went to college to pursue a Fine Arts degree with the intent of making commercials and advertisements. Involved in art club along with eight other clubs in high school, Manley always knew that she wanted to pursue a career where she could be actively involved and able to express her creativity.
As she progressed in her college career, Manley discovered that she also had a passion for organizing and designing. Following her initial dream after graduating college, she landed a job at an advertising agency working in the research department. Although this was not exactly what she wanted to be doing, Manley worked her way up the corporate ladder where she became an Account Executive. In this position, she gained a lot of knowledge on market research and advertisement.
After working for a time at this agency, and even starting her own advertising company in the city, due to unforeseen circumstances, Manley found herself moving back from the city to the suburbs of Chicago Heights. During this time, she saw an advertisement in the local newspaper about a job opening at Prairie State College. This advertisement caught her attention, and considering how short the commute to PSC was from her home, Manley took the opportunity to apply for the job.
After landing the job, she initially planned on staying at PSC for about 3 months before heading back to the city. But little did she know, she would fall in love with the students and make Prairie State College her forever home.
Manley can still recall the day 23 years ago when she fell in love with PSC. Working part time, and only a few days into the job, Manley found herself frequently helping out students who had questions and needed information about navigating their studies. From that point, she decided that she would make it her job to ensure that the students had all the information and resources they needed to succeed at PSC. After about 3 months into her time at PSC, and extensive research to ensure that she had all of the information she needed to help any students who had questions, Manley describes that it felt as if she were “there for years.”
After about an estimated year and a half at PSC (still working part time), Manley was offered a position to become the new Coordinator of Student Life. She was told that nobody was ever in the position for more than two years at a time, so taking that as a personal challenge, she made it her goal to flourish in the position and work as hard as she could for the students. Fast forward 23 years, Manley is the Manager of Student Life & Leadership Development at Prairie State College.
Throughout her 23 years at PSC, Manley has developed a very personal connection with the college community; but most of all, with the students. Manley states that she still has former PSC alumni who are now educators themselves–they stay in touch with her and visit her during their seasonal breaks. “What they remember the most about Prairie State is the people that were there for them; that’s the thing that they remember the most.” says Manley. Seeing the personal growth and success of former students, Manley states that the PSC slogan, “Start Near, Go far,” holds a personal meaning to her.
When asked what has kept her at Prairie State for so many years, Manley said that the number one reason why she has stayed at PSC is, “because of the students.” Manley states, “In 23 years, I have never had a student be anything but kind; and the things I see that they go through- and they still come with a smile on their face… It is inspiring.” Her passion and love for what she does shines brightly through the work that she puts in to ensure that every student at Prairie State has a memorable college experience. Her drive, determination, and dedication that she brings to work every single day, speak volumes on the heart that she has for the college, community, and most importantly, the students.
On behalf of all of the students and faculty members, past and present, thank you, Helen Manley, for all that you do around campus!
