By Jordan Beach
Since joining Reinhardt University in June 2018, Dr. Tish Szymurski has formed connections across campus and in the community that offer students abundant opportunities.
Szymurski serves as Reinhardt’s interim vice president of enrollment management and marketing & communications. She works to remove barriers for students to attend college, much like the leaders who encouraged and afforded her opportunities she never dreamed of.
“What I continue to love and appreciate about my field is that every day is a learning opportunity,” said Szymurski. “Each day is different, and my responsibilities are both diverse and interconnected. They allow me to go from big-picture, to deep dives into processes, policies and efficiencies – making connections as I go along.”
Before Szymurski entered the higher education field in 1987, she worked in graphic design. She began her career after responding to a newspaper ad for a part-time Program Assistant in Adult & Continuing Education. As a first-generation student, Szymurski understands the unique challenges college students face as they work towards their future goals.
In her current position, Szymurski extends the reach of the University through external partnerships and collaborates with the leadership team to support institutional growth. Between forming connections and developing policies and strategies, she is still able to infuse creativity into her various roles.
“My job is one of great opportunity – it reflects all that is creative, diverse and exciting about lifelong learning: making creative connections between and among people, places and ideas; learning about others’ backgrounds, perspectives and experiences; developing new and different ways of thinking and approaching challenges; being part of a thoughtful community and a team who makes things happen.”
Szymurski was raised on what her mother called a “farm-ette,” where her family lived off of their land with gardens, fruit trees and animals. She enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter – who is adopted from Korea – along with hiking, traveling, painting and being outdoors, especially at the beach.
