Galveston College graduate returns to help students navigate new technologies

Navigating college systems and technology can be tough—and with so many programs, courses, career opportunities and more, it can be hard to know where to turn for guidance and what resources are available.

Fortunately, Galveston College students now can connect with Cole Chandler for one-on-one assistance in exploring myGC, the college’s new student planning and financial information platform, and other technologies like Canvas, the Whitecaps portal and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

“Cole originally worked at Galveston College as a tutor. He excelled as a teacher and became a favorite for many students, faculty and staff,” said his supervisor Megan Stockfleth, career placement and tutoring coordinator. “His love of learning, altruism and depth of knowledge make him the perfect fit for the new technology teaching specialist position.”

Chandler said the new position aligned well with his skills and interests.

“I really get a lot of gratification serving others,” he said. “Plus, I can relate to the students at Galveston College because I spent a lot of time figuring out how to do college.”

After graduating from high school in Katy, Chandler attended Texas Christian University in Fort Worth.

“I didn’t know what I wanted to major in, so I chose business. Eventually, I dropped out and moved in with my mom in Houston. She always wanted to retire in Galveston, so we moved to Galveston in 2015,” he said.

After working a series of retail and restaurant jobs, Chandler said he realized he needed to go back to school.

“It’s kind of an interesting story. One day, I saw all of these dragonflies, and I kept wondering, ‘Where do they come from?’ I got a library card and began researching dragonflies. I realized that I do like to learn and study.”

Chandler enrolled as a part-time student at Galveston College. With the help of Deon Botha, director of counseling, advising, testing, career placement and tutoring, he signed up for two classes — an art class and an English class. Eventually, he became a full-time student and found a work-study position in the fitness center.

“I was on campus all day. It became a sanctuary for me. I didn’t have internet access at home. I wanted to learn more about everything. I was a little Yoda. Then I became a work-study for the IT help desk. I was able to study at work and have a professional job. It was a great experience.”

Chandler graduated from Galveston College in spring 2017 with an associate degree in General Studies. One day, he met Dr. Donna Lang, associate vice president for academic operations at Texas A&M University at Galveston, while volunteering at the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

“I explained my story to Dr. Lang and told her that I would like to pursue a maritime business degree. She helped me transition my life at Galveston College to Texas A&M University at Galveston.”

Chandler transferred to A&M at Galveston, where he said he replicated his Galveston College experience.

“The library was my living room. Because of my background at the IT help desk at Galveston College, I was able to get a job at the IT help desk at A&M,” he said. “When I was accepted into the Master of Maritime Business Administration and Logistics program, I was promoted to a graduate assistant in the Maritime Business Administration department, where I helped build the course map for AACSB accreditation.”

In spring 2021, he earned both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Maritime Business Administration and Logistics through TAMUG’s 3+2 program.

“As a transfer student and Galveston College alum, our college vision statement, A Beacon of Light Guiding Lifelong Learning, rings true to me,” he said. “It’s a great position to be able to help students.”

Chandler said he plans to host a series of webinars in the coming weeks and invited students, faculty and staff to stop by the welcome desk in Moody Hall, where he is stationed.

“I’m here to be a face of the campus,” he said. “Students can meet with me in person or virtually to learn about myGC. They don’t have to sign into QLess (the appointment management system) to meet with me. I’m not an adviser. I’m here to answer questions and teach them about our technology.”

In addition to health and fitness, Chandler enjoys playing board games and spending time with his fiancée, Rebecca Harris. The two plan to marry on Aug. 5 at the Church of the Living God in Galveston.

For help with myGC and Galveston College technologies, contact Chandler at [email protected].