Associate Dean of Women Stephanie Gravel discusses her family, hobbies, and what she loves about her job.

If you could have any other job, what would it be? 

How about I keep my job, and we pick up Hillsdale College and move it to a warm state? I love the four seasons, but I would like to live in a warm state. If I had to choose, I would probably pick something in child advocacy. 

When you were younger, what did you want to do?

When I graduated high school, I thought I was going into advertising. I was going to go to school, get a business degree, and go into advertising. I don’t really know why I thought that. I had an uncle that was in advertising, maybe I enjoyed his stories. I definitely liked the creative aspect. I come up with a lot of ideas, but then I need someone to help implement them.

What was your favorite subject in school?

Everything but math. I mean, I can balance a checkbook — well actually, my husband does that for me. 

What is your favorite thing about your job?

Relationships, talking to students. I never know what a conversation is going to bring when someone walks through my door and dealing with all the different personalities is so fun.

What is your least favorite thing about your job?

Working with Dean Pete. We have a love-hate relationship — he’s like a big brother. 

Do you have a favorite childhood memory?

In the summertime when my family would all come to my parents house, and we would play this massive capture the flag game. It would last for hours. It was like hide-and-seek capture the flag — we crossed about three property lines.

Any favorite hobbies?

I decided this fall I was gonna take up whittling. So I whittle and carve spoons. I bought the tools, got my little wood, and I just whittle and carve away. I’m looking forward to doing it in the summer when I can be outside, so I don’t have to deal with all of the wood chips. 

Where is the best place you’ve traveled? 

Brazil. I loved it. It was gorgeous. 

How did you meet your husband?

We met at Grand Valley State University, Hillsdale College’s old rival. He was a young assistant coach, and I was in my senior year. I played for him for a year, and then we started dating a year after I graduated.

What’s your best memory with your daughter?

Last year we took off and went to Florida, just the two of us together and had a weekend vacation. We had so much fun. It’s cool when you make the transition to adulthood. She’s always gonna be my daughter, right? But when you make the transition, it’s like we’re friends, and we enjoy each other’s company. We had the best time. 

What is it like having to hike up three flights of stairs to get to your job at the top of Central Hall?

On the good days I take the stairs, and on the bad days I take the elevator.