Alumnae Spotlight: M. Dee Guillory '83

“I worked for the railroad, Conrail, as a marketing manager in Philadelphia until I struck out and started my own marketing consulting business, D.G. Consulting,” she remembered. “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, teaching. I eventually accepted a full-time position as an instructor at University of South Carolina - Beaufort. I had a provost at USCB who told me, after three years, that I needed to go back to school and get a Ph.D. so that is what I did. I have been a marketing professor ever since. I am very blessed that I get paid to do what I love.”

 

Of all the ways that Chatham Hall has influenced her life, Guillory credits the focus and concentration honed during study halls, as well as the network of women being an alumna has brought her.

 

“Study hall helped me to develop some great focus and concentration skills that I still use today,” she said. “Chatham Hall also 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 Guillory’s favorite memories is of planning and executing a Black History Month program at Chapel.

 

“We asked Dr. Black and he did not hesitate with saying ‘yes’ and then promptly told us we were in charge of the program,” she said. “I delivered the talk.  It meant a lot to me to be able to do that.”

 

To today’s students, Guillory offers some simple advice: “Enjoy your time and try everything that piques your interest!”