WVU alumna and Morgantown native Damia Dobbs has been an academic advisor for Chambers College undergraduates for more than 7 years. During her time in this role, Dobbs has guided countless students through their college journeys – even when those journeys varied dramatically. 

“Everyone's story is different, and you don't know where they're coming from," said Dobbs. “For me, right after high school, I moved to northern Virginia and was a nanny for eight years. When I started at WVU, I was already an adult with a life, and my everyday looked different than a traditional college student’s.” 

As a nontraditional, first-gen student, Dobbs found herself unsure of what her next steps would be and ran into obstacles that changed the trajectory of her education and career, like having to find a new major after her original choice fell through.  

At the time, it seemed like a setback, but on reflection, it became a pivotal moment in her personal growth. 

“It worked out perfectly, because I don't know what that would have been like for me," Dobbs said. “I think higher education is where I fit best. I really enjoy working with students and helping them achieve their goals.” 

The experience also taught her the importance of self-advocacy and taking ownership of her path, which shaped her approach to advising students. 

“I want to empower students so that they understand that, while I am their advisor and here to assist them, it is ultimately their journey. They are the ones who receive the degree, not me, and it is their responsibility to be aware of what steps need to be taken.” 

This tough love approach that Dobbs takes in her advising has been instrumental in helping students, like fellow first-gen student Jada Brooks, take ownership of their own academic and personal journeys. 

Dobbs believes that while guidance is important, students must understand the power and responsibility they hold in shaping their future. 

“In my meetings with students, I really like to focus on the fact that, while they are here for an education, it is important that they have a good time and enjoy it,” Dobbs said. “Life is short, and the goal of the Chambers College is to give students the tools to do what they love so that they can love what they do.” 

-WVU-

Emma Higgins 9/23/25 

MEDIA CONTACT: 

Andrew Marvin 
Senior Communications Specialist
John Chambers College of Business and Economics
andrew.marvin@mail.wvu.edu