Shayla Taylor (’04) has spent the past twenty years serving Albany State University (ASU) in roles that have evolved as steadily as she has. Though she began her journey as a Nursing major, a detour led her down an unexpected yet deeply fulfilling path in higher education. Today, she proudly serves as the Director of Greek Life & Community Engagement, but her connection to the University runs far deeper than any job title.

Taylor has embraced every twist in the road with grace, faith, and a firm belief that everything happens for a reason. Her story is one of resilience, growth, and service. This is a true reflection of the Golden Ram spirit she both embodies and nurtures in others.

What first brought you to ASU, and what has kept you here over the years?
My journey to ASU, like that of some of our students, didn’t begin with a full plan. I started as a Nursing major because I wanted to become a psychiatric nurse. I failed a course and was removed from the program, but I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason.

I shifted my focus to pursing my minor in psychology to remain on track for graduation, with the thought that I would eventually return to pursue a nursing degree.

After graduating, I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do as far as my career. As a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., I was fortunate that one of my sorority sisters, who worked at the University at the time, recommended me for an entry-level position in the Auxiliary Services office, specifically in the RAM ID card area. I began working in June 2005 and stayed in that position for two years.

What has kept me here over the years are the opportunities I’ve had to continuously grow and advance. I started in Auxiliary Services, but the people around me saw potential in me and supported my transition to the Information Technology Systems (ITS) office, where I held various positions. Eventually, I moved into Student Affairs as a Support Coordinator. Now, I serve as the Director of Greek Life & Community Engagement.

Is there a particular place on campus that holds special meaning for you? What makes it stand out?
Andrews Hall was my first residence hall when I arrived in the fall of 1999, and it holds a special place in my heart. I have so many great memories of living on the second floor and being an “Andrews Girl.” It’s where I made my first group of friends and line sisters.

Harnett Hall is also meaningful to me since I had a lot of my psychology classes there. And of course, the Delta plot on campus because it is where I crossed. Since then, we’ve had countless barbecues, celebrations, clean-up days, and meaningful conversations out there.

Have you witnessed or experienced a moment of kindness, support, or connection on campus that stayed with you?
I lost my mother in March and the support and love that I received during that time was such a heartfelt experience.

We held the funeral in my hometown of Hinesville, Georgia, and many people from the University traveled there to show their support. Students I had advised, members of the Student Government Association, Royal Court, Greek Life, and many of my colleagues from Student Affairs were in attendance. They made a whole trip, on a Saturday, just to be there for me. Even my former supervisors and other departments sent flowers, cards, and checked on me once I returned to campus. None of it was expected, but it meant so much to me, and I am deeply grateful.

That experience really showed the strong connection that we share at Albany State University, as an HBCU (Historically Black College and University), and as Golden Rams. We are family, and we support each other through the good times and the hard.

What’s one interaction with a student that reminded you why you do the work you do?
About two years ago, at the Fountain City Classic game, I was walking around when a young lady approached me. I recognized her face and that I had met her when I worked in the RAMID Office.

She said, “Ms. Taylor, I know you don’t remember me, but you saw me one time and asked if I was having a bad day. Then you said, ‘Tomorrow is a new day, keep your head up.’ She told me that she graduated three years ago, but never forgot that moment.

I’ve had many interactions like that, and it goes to show that even the smallest words that you say to someone, especially our students, pours life into them. I urge everyone to remember that without our students, we would not have our jobs. It costs nothing to be kind to them, make a connection, and show that you care.

If you could preserve one thing about this campus just as it is, or as it was, what would it be and why?
In a perfect world, I’d keep all our buildings on the lower side of campus, as they hold so many sentimental memories. I’d especially love to keep the Reese Building, which served as our student center back then. Thinking about it, compared to Peace and Harnett now, it’s buildings like those that capture the spirit of my college years.

At the same time, I’m excited about the new developments, especially the Nursing Simulation Lab. I toured it during the ribbon-cutting and joked, “If I had this in school, I wouldn’t have dropped out of nursing!” The hands-on experience it offers is incredible for students preparing to enter their respective professions.

I’ve visited many schools, but that lab stands out as a gem of our College of Health Professions and the University. I can’t wait to see the talent it brings to Southwest Georgia. ASU has so much to offer, and I encourage everyone to come and see it for themselves.

When you reflect on your time here, what does ASU mean to you, beyond your job title or daily role?
College is such a formative time, and it’s often the first real step into adulthood. For me, those steps began at Albany State, and they’ve shaped me into the woman I am today.

As a military brat, I traveled the world with my family, but it was my college years that truly opened my eyes. ASU gave me opportunities to explore new places as a student leader and now, even as an employee.

The people I met in college still matter to me. Catching up with them now feels like a full-circle moment, and it’s amazing to see how far we’ve all come. Albany is such a special place, a beautiful little spot where you can go anywhere from here, both literally and figuratively.

What advice do you wish you could give your younger self that you would give to others now?
“Do it scared and trust in your faith.” No matter the challenge, if you do it scared, it doesn’t have to be perfect. You’ll learn from it and do it better the next time. A higher power already believes you’re fully capable, so why not try? You might not always feel like you know what you’re doing, but deep down, you do.

Not many people leave college expecting to build a career in higher education. I certainly thought I’d become a nurse. But life has a way of shifting paths and revealing where you truly belong. I’ve found my niche, and every day I’m learning and growing in it. I hope others in similar situations learn to trust their journey and embrace where it leads them.

Shayla Taylor’s journey at Albany State University is a testament to resilience, faith, and finding purpose in the unexpected. What began as a plan to become a nurse evolved into a meaningful career in higher education. Her story reminds us that with faith and perseverance, the path may change, but it always leads to exactly where you are meant to be.