Meet Otiona Willis

Willis came to Gordon State College in the fall of 2019 after having previous family members attend the institution. Through their experiences, she knew Gordon would be the best environment for her to achieve within. Willis also chose to attend Gordon due to its close proximity to her hometown. 

During her time here, Willis has enjoyed taking her communication courses which range from public speaking to intercultural communications. Willis finds the field of communications interesting as it helps her to perceive how individuals communicate with each other in various environments. The most challenging course she has taken would be her quantitative skill and reasoning course as it is a STEM course. 

Willis' greatest academic highlight at Gordon was when she received her Associate of Arts in Mass Communication in the fall of 2021. Another meaningful highlight was when she became HOPE eligible and received a scholarship through the GSC Foundation during her freshman year.

Willis currently serves as a senator in the Student Government Association and works as a marketing student assistant in the Advancement Department. Willis loves being an active member on campus as it gives her a chance to be hands-on and receive experience in her field of communication.

In her free time, Willis loves to spend time researching different topics that cross her mind. Lately, this has focused on military and media research. When she is not doing her own research, she spends quality time with her two dogs and family. Willis also finds interest in writing, photography and social media. Her overall goal in life is to make her ancestors proud and to travel as much as possible. 

After graduating with her Bachelor of Arts in the fall of 2022, Willis plans to commission into the United States Army as a Public Affairs Officer. A career path she has dreamed of since high school, she decided on the Army to follow in the footsteps of her family. Her father served in Operation Desert Storm, her grandfather served in the Korean War and her Aunt served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and is still currently serving our country. Their hard work and dedication have inspired her to serve our country as well.

According to Willis, being a part of the Highlander community means pushing herself to reach her full potential. She says the atmosphere present at the college helps facilitate this as the faculty and staff are extremely supportive, helpful and encouraging.