Spotlight On: Eunice Boyd, Associate Director of EOP

Eunice Boyd, associate director of Centenary’s Educational Opportunity Fund (EOP), is beloved by many students. They find that she gives thoughtful feedback and delivers answers that are not only informative but also entertaining.

It’s no wonder that her engaging personality draws in students who want to discuss career choices and hear about the insights she can offer as they navigate their own path as college students. 

The following is one student’s interview with her about practical advice for getting the most out of the college experience.

What is your educational journey, and how did you come to Centenary University?

I earned a Bachelor of Science in computer science from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Then, I earned a Master’s in leadership and public administration from Centenary University.

I started at Centenary University as a professional tutor for the EOP Department in 2004. Then, I went full-time in 2015 as a development specialist program supervisor for EOP. I got promoted to EOP assistant director in 2018 and, then again, as an EOP associate director in 2023.

What inspired you to pursue this career path?

When I received my bachelor's degree, I became a computer programmer and did that for about 10 years.  Then, I changed careers and got into financial services where I helped my clients setup life insurance, retirement accounts, and debt consolidation.  

After a few years in the sales industry, I was ready for a change.  So I pursued a part-time position in higher education as a professional tutor.  This path allowed me to be a stay-at-home mom.  My career choices all have one mission in common: I helped people!

How does the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) help students, and can they request specific resources?​

The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) at Centenary University provides underserved students the opportunity, not only to earn a higher education degree, but also gain the soft skills necessary for a successful and fulfilling career by providing academic, social, and financial support.  Yes, the students may request specific resources, such as accommodations from the Disability Services Office (DSO), counseling services, residence alternatives, and/or support from case managers for local resources.

What student engagement programs are you most proud of?

I’m the proudest of the Summer Academic Enrichment program conducted every summer for about four to six weeks.  This program prepares first generation college students to build a foundation for a successful college experience. The EOP incoming freshmen students participate in classes, workshops, study hall, volunteering, activities, team building, trips, and alumni relations. 

I’m also proud of the students who meet the requirements to be inducted every year into the EOP National Honor Society, Chi Alpha Epsilon.  Last year, we inducted 21 new students (20% of the EOP students) and had 17 pin upgrades to ruby, emerald, or diamond (16% of EOP students).

What challenges do you encounter when working with diverse student populations?

I feel that Centenary University does not always have a diverse population of faculty and staff to support such a diverse group of students, EOP students. Often, these students come from urban areas such as Newark, Jersey City, Irvington, East Orange, and Trenton and have been raised with different belief systems such as “white people” can’t be trusted.  

I spent a lot of time earning their trust. I wish we had workshops where everyone would get involved to learn how to work with such a diverse group.

What advice would you give new students to maximize their college experience?

In my opinion, the hardest part about college is “time management.”  It is important for students to understand that their success will come from how well they manage their time.  

Usually, as freshmen, they have too much free time and they end up procrastinating to the limit and submitting assignments late.  Not because they were too busy, but because they managed their time poorly.  In many cases, this is their first time on their own, and they do not have the time management skills necessary to be successful.  Eventually, with a few life lessons they get the hang of it.

How does Centenary promote inclusivity and diversity through your events?

EOP organizes several annual events to honor inclusivity and diversity, including a fiesta to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with soul food, music, and games to celebrate Black History Month.

What are your goals for the EOP and its impact on students?

I am always encouraging students to participate in everything that Centenary has to offer, including Studying Abroad, becoming a First-Year Leader (FYL), a tutor at the Writing Collaboratory, a Residential Assistant (RA), attending the theater performances, programs, and activities.  

I also encourage students to join clubs and, if none meet those goals, start a new one.  This year, an EOP group started the Dance Team.  A lot of the students in Greek life are EOP students.  I will continue to persuade the EOP students to be involved to enhance their college experience and build their resume.

What extracurricular activities do you recommend for students?

All extracurricular activities. I encourage the students to try new things and go outside of their comfort zone.  They can only grow and become more confident if they try new things.

I remind the students that every experience they have is building their resume.  When they finish college, they do not have a lot of professional experience and therefore, having many volunteering experiences is a resume building effort. The Community Engagement Department offers various options for the students to get involved in.  

Students can reach out to Kathy Greco, dean of student success, for community service and outreach programs, including the Midnight Run.

Erick Young conducted and wrote this interview as part of a class assignment in Intro to Journalism FA 24. He is now a member of The Cyclone Chronicle staff.