M. Dee Guillory '83

One of the things that helped me the most in college was the old Chatham Hall tradition of study hall. Because we spent several hours sitting at a desk with nothing else to do but study, it helped me to develop some great focus and concentration skills that I still use today.

After Stanford, I worked in Washington D.C. before attending the University of Michigan to get an MBA. Then I worked for Conrail as a marketing manager in Philadelphia until I struck out and started my own marketing consulting business, D.G. Consulting. I loved consulting work and specialized in working with small and mid-size businesses writing business and marketing plans, conducting marketing research, helping them get small business loans and implementing marketing tactics in the New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania area.

During this time, I started being asked to be a speaker at various business events. This was followed by Temple University SBDC approaching me about teaching business classes to business owners. I taught these classes and discovered a new love in teaching. I eventually accepted a full-time position as an instructor at University of South Carolina - Beaufort. I have been a marketing professor ever since and am currently teaching at Winston-Salem State University. I am very blessed that I get paid to do what I love.

Looking back, Chatham Hall helped me to realize my potential, it helped me to see who I could be if I worked for it. Chatham Hall also provided me with a network, which I have always known is available to me. I enjoy Reunions because of the opportunity to meet incredible, intelligent, energetic women who are willing to share their experiences, wisdom, friendship, and most importantly, their time.

One of my favorite memories is planning and executing a Black History Month Chapel. I delivered the talk, and it meant a lot to me to be able to do that. All of the ceremonies and traditions are all a part of my favorite memories. When I was earning my Essay Box, I sung the Rolling Stones’ Satisfaction in costume in front of the whole school. It was embarrassing and fun and empowering; I cannot sing, but I performed with gusto and confidence anyway. I always remember this when I am nervous about something that I need to do.