Full of ideas and ready to help the students of the University of Arkansas at Monticello, Crystal Ratliff entered the scene this year as the new director of Academic Advising in Academic Affairs.

    Before returning to the campus in early July Ratliff balanced a job as timekeeper for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission as well as law school in Little Rock at night. Undecided about pursuing a career in law or a career in education Ratliff took the open director position as a way to test the waters in the educational field.

   This semester she also teaches American National Government in the Social and Behavioral Sciences department.

   When a problem arose with his schedule, first-year student Jancen Riggs went to Ratliff for help.

   “She was very patient with helping me get into my classes.” Riggs said.

   Always eager to help, Ratliff finds interacting with the students of UAM the most enjoyable aspect of her job.