J. Rex Tolliver

In the journey of student engagement, meeting students where they already are is essential – especially when it comes to those who are less likely to engage outside of the classroom.

J. Rex Tolliver, Vice President for Student Affairs and Academic Support at the University of South Carolina, joined Max Webber, Co-Host of The Interview, to share insights about his professional journey, the institution’s commitment to student success, and innovative strategies for engaging students in meaningful ways.

Rex’s Journey

‍Max: Let’s start with a brief introduction to yourself and your institution:

I’ve been in Higher Education (HE) for over 20 years now. My journey began in the finance side of things when I graduated with a degree in finance from LSU. I later completed a master’s in Public Administration and earned a law degree. My career started in finance and auxiliaries at LSU before taking on roles at the University of Arizona, Idaho State University, and the University of Illinois Chicago. I transitioned fully into student affairs, serving as the Chief Student Affairs Officer for over six years ago before coming to the University of South Carolina (USC).

At USC, I’m the Vice President for Student Affairs and Academic Support. The university, located in Columbia, South Carolina, serves nearly 40,000 students. We’re especially proud of having the number one first-year student experience among public universities in the US. This recognition stems from a strong, 50-year history of supporting students through programs like our nationally and internationally recognized National Resource Center for the First-Year Experience and Students in Transition. Our University 101 program is a flagship initiative that supports student success, and it’s just one example of how we’re dedicated to creating meaningful pathways for learners.

Max: What did your journey into this role look like?

It’s been a unique path, and I often share my story with staff, students, and colleagues. People sometimes label me as a “non-traditional” student affairs professional because my background started on the business side. However, I believe there’s no such thing as a “non-traditional” student affairs professional. Our work touches every aspect of an institution, and many critical parts of our portfolio are rooted in business operations.

Let me share a story that’s still vivid for me, even though it happened over 25 years ago. As a first-generation college student at LSU, I worked multiple campus jobs and eventually got a position in the Dean of Students’ office. One summer, the assistant to the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, Barbara Jackson, was looking for someone to help in their office. I immediately told my supervisor, Assistant to the Dean, Debra Joseph, that I wanted that job. I interviewed, got the position, and worked hard that summer. They ended up extending my role, and I stayed on, helping with business operations after their chief business officer left.

Later, the incoming Vice Chancellor, Dr. Bobby Walker, arrived. I supported her by preparing reports and handling operations. When I was nearing graduation and considering a career in finance, Dr. Walker sat me down and encouraged me to stay in HE. She believed I could excel in this field, and her advice shaped my career. That’s how I transitioned into Student Affairs.

Max: I’d love to hear more about the National Research Center for Student Transitions – what are the key pieces of work that have come out of that?

The National Resource Center (NRC) is one of our most impactful initiatives. Beyond the classroom, the center’s work extends to publishing research, journals, and books on the first-year experience and student transitions.  We also host educational conferences that bring people from across the world to collaborate and learn from each other. This body of work not only benefits our university but also serves as a model for institutions worldwide.

Alongside the NRC is our University 101 program, which is nationally recognized for helping students transition into college successfully. More than 95% of our first-year students participate in this course, and we offer over 300 sections annually. The program covers essential topics like career services, leadership, personal development, mental health, and wellbeing. It’s designed to provide students with the tools they need to thrive academically and personally.

Max: We talk a lot on the series about engaging students during that transition period – how do you aim to do that?

The best way to engage students is to meet them where they are. I take pride in my role as the “chief student advocate,” and I believe you can’t hold that title without being present where students are. Too often, institutions are designed around offices and expect students to come to them. But many students don’t want to engage in those spaces.

To address this, we’ve implemented programs like “Tuesdays with Tolliver,” where I spend time in student spaces talking about their concerns and experiences. Our staff also hosts socials and events in locations where students naturally gather. Additionally, we’ve developed a platform called “Beyond the Classroom Matters,” which collects data to track targeted engagement experiences. It’s all about being intentional and proactive in creating connections.

Max: How do you reach the demographic of students that aren’t as naturally engaged as others?

This is a challenge many institutions face, especially with male student engagement. Nationally, we see lower engagement rates among male students, and it’s no different here at USC. To address this, I’ve appointed a task force to examine the issue. We’ve conducted surveys to understand why some male students aren’t engaging and what might motivate them.

One surprising finding was that some male students felt our marketing materials didn’t resonate with them. This feedback has prompted us to rethink how we design and message our programs. Male students are often drawn to hands-on activities, internships, and opportunities like esports. While we don’t currently have an esports center, we’re working on developing one to meet this interest.

We’ve also enhanced our efforts around club sports and fraternity engagement. Interestingly, while sorority women are often active in multiple organizations, fraternity men tend to participate only within their fraternities. We’re exploring ways to broaden their involvement in the larger campus community. Ultimately, it’s about using data to inform our strategies and being willing to adapt our programs to meet students where they are.

Max: What is the best piece of advice you have received in your career?

The most impactful advice I’ve received was, “Presence matters.” Dr. Barbara Henley, who hired me at UIC, told me that showing up in spaces that matter to students, the university, and the community is invaluable. This advice has guided me throughout my career. Being present not only opens doors but also allows you to connect meaningfully with others. For young professionals, I’d say this: show up fully in everything you do. Presence truly makes a difference.