Helping Students Achieve Their Goals Is Steele’s Top Priority

For Tony Steele, coordinator of academic advising at St. Louis Community College-Wildwood, working with students to plan their college schedules is one of the best parts of his job. The reason, he said, is because he genuinely enjoys helping set them up on a path to achieve their college and career goals. 

While the weeks leading up to the start of a new semester are always busy, the work is rewarding. 

“We’re available to meet with students both in-person and virtually,” he said. “We encourage students to make an appointment early so they are well prepared when it’s their time to register.” 

Like his colleagues across the College, Steele works with students to develop academic plans. He also maintains strong connections with four-year universities, scheduling college visits on campus and helping to ensure the transferability of courses. In addition, he connects students with resources, like counseling and tutoring, to help guide their success in college. 

When he joined the College in 2010, Steele did so after working for 13 years in K-12 public education. He first served as a part-time staff member in the Access office at Florissant Valley before transferring to a full-time student support specialist role at South County. In 2015, he seized the opportunity to serve as Wildwood’s coordinator for academic advising, in part because it was a promotion but also because it’s minutes from his home. 

“It’s great to give back to the community in which I live,” he said. “Every day I get to go home happy knowing I helped our students.” 

Outside of work, Steele enjoys spending time with his wife, Sara, and their three daughters. He also likes to complete home improvement projects and cheer for the Chicago Cubs. 

When asked what advice he’d like to share with students, Steele said, “It’s never too early to create your academic plan. If you need assistance, don’t be a stranger. We’re here to help.” 

Registration is currently open for the spring 2022 semester. Use this link to connect with an academic advisor.