In the realm of higher education, we know that a student’s journey extends far beyond classrooms and textbooks. Taylor Stokes, Beyond120’s trailblazing new director, not only recognizes this truth but propels it into action.
In her role, Stokes aims to inspire students to design lives enriched with meaning, purpose, and lasting impact. Her vision for Beyond120 centers on robust excursions, expanded mentorship opportunities, and a seamless connection between classroom learning and real-world skills — building transformative experiences that go beyond the ordinary.
“A career isn’t linear; it gains and builds on experiences,” she said. “It’s about preparing for life, not just a job.”
This philosophy underpins Beyond120’s approach to shaping well-rounded individuals capable of leaving lasting impacts across sectors. Departing from traditional practices that prepare students for known industries, the college’s experiential learning program focuses on endowing them with the adaptability to navigate the swiftly shifting world.
Before taking the helm at Beyond120, Stokes left a mark on students at universities, both domestically and abroad. With expertise spanning leadership in athletics, service learning, international travel, and student success, Stokes plans to operate Beyond120 on a holistic framework that aligns with her diverse skillset.
Stokes’ emphasis on collaboration isn’t just a hopeful plan but a guiding principle. She envisions Beyond120 as a collegial ecosystem where all participants, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, community, and industry, work collectively to build upon each other’s strengths. Meaningful student preparation, according to Stokes, requires a collective effort involving all stakeholders.
“We go further if we go together,” she said. “There’s nothing more meaningful than creating spaces that make a student’s transformation take place.”
“I want to broaden our students’ understanding of what’s possible.”
