Converse Welcomes Tammy Stokes as New Converse II Director
Inspired by her fierce passion for the advancement of women and unwavering dedication to the Spartanburg community, Converse College has hired Tammy Stokes as its new Converse II director. Stokes enjoyed her first day in the position on March 4, 2010.
“We are delighted that Tammy Stokes has joined our Converse community to lead the Converse II Program,” said Converse president Betsy Fleming. “Her background in higher education, as well as her positive influence in the Spartanburg community will enable Tammy to be an effective advocate for this important program at Converse.”
As the director of Converse II, a convenient and affordable undergraduate program that caters to adult women (24 years and older), Stokes will be responsible for managing all aspects of the program and will work closely with faculty and key campus partners to identify programming that accommodates the needs of the adult learning student population. Furthermore, Stokes will be handling admission and first-semester advising for new students, while serving as a mentor for the entire Converse II population.
“I am incredibly excited about becoming a member of the Converse team and to be part of a program that is not only transforming women’s lives, but also impacting our community at the same time,” said Stokes. “In addition to receiving an excellent college education at a reduced cost, Converse II students do so at an institution where they have the guidance, support and encouragement they need to be successful. Converse II is such a unique opportunity for women in our community and I am proud to be part of it.”
Prior to joining Converse, Stokes served as director of the Opportunity Scholars Program at University of South Carolina-Union since 2002. She led the overall management of the federally-funded TRIO Program designed to assist first-generation and low-income students in the completion of college.
During her time at USC-Union, Stokes played a pivotal role in writing grants, monitoring budgets and counseling students in regard to their academic and personal challenges. She also served as an adjunct faculty member and adviser.
Stokes has been featured as a columnist for The Beat, an independent newspaper in Greenville.
Stokes is active in the Spartanburg Community, most recently serving as vice chair of the Board of Zoning Appeals for the City of Spartanburg and president of the Hampton Heights Neighborhood Association.