Spreading happiness more than job description

For many people on campus, it’s hard not to know Joy.

Childress, that is.

She has worked as the administrative assistant for Dr. Steve Theodore in the Student Affairs office for three years, but is more than a staff member to students and co-workers. 

“Joy is like my second mom,” Luke Beasley, one of her student workers, said. “She takes care of me and always cares about what is going on in my life. She has invested in my life as a student and as her friend.”

Childress came to the university as a result of encouragement from her spouse.

“My husband transferred here for a civil engineering position, and he drove by UMHB every day and would come home and tell me he wanted me to work here,” she said.

She didn’t have her current job when first employed.

After working in Human Resources for nine years, Childress moved to Theodore’s office. She understood the new position would be a promotion for her, but that wasn’t what drove her to take the job.

“The main perk for me was getting to work with Dr. Theodore,” she said. “From my work in Human Resources, I was able to observe his leadership strategy. He supports his employees, is fair and honest, and expects professionalism.”

Childress also enjoys working for Theodore because of his encouragement.

“(He) believes in giving acknowledgement when a job is well done and gentle guidance when performance needs to be improved,” she said.

Her favorite part of the job is “exposure to the student side of the university” and “helping people.”

Childress understands what her position means to students and the opportunity she has to minister to them daily. 

“I treat every day as a brand new day for God to use me in whatever way He sees fit,” she said. “Love without works is dead, so I have a natural love for all of the students, whether or not they come to my office. I know they are here at UMHB for a reason.”

Junior nursing major Chelsea Glenn is another student worker in the Student Affairs office. It refreshes her to see how Childress deals with daily stresses and setbacks.

“She prioritizes and does not get overwhelmed by  situations and circumstances,” Glenn said. “Almost every day, even if it’s a crazy day with lots of stressors, she says how thankful she is that God is in control and that she has peace. It amazes me and encourages me not to get bogged down by all the trials that come my way.”

Childress hopes to share her outlook on life with everyone. This is “in one word, hope. I want all students to come to the realization that they are important and have been put on this earth for a reason.”

She is genuine, authentic and willing to relate with students to offer new perspectives and tips.
Glenn believes she’s learned significant life lessons from Childress’ carefree attitude.

“I have learned the importance of just being who I am without trying to impress anyone and the importance of laughing at yourself because sometimes that’s all you can do,” she said.

Childress heads the Crusader Parent Organization and assists the University Ambassadors. She is also taking four class hours for a management degree.

She enjoys staying busy with her job and extra activities, and wouldn’t change them.

She plans on being in her job “until Jesus comes back or I die at my desk.”

Childress may not take credit for all she has done for the university and the students, but those she has ministered to, counseled, fed, hugged and smiled at know her influence.

“She continues to build friendships that are more than surface level,” Beasley said. “Her impact will probably never be known officially, but those hundreds of students she has impacted definitely know who they are.”