Student Affairs Staff Spotlight — Cortney Mays
Get to know Cortney Mays, Program Coordinator for Leadership Development in Sorority & Fraternity Life.
Q. How long have you worked in KU Student Affairs?
A. Two years.
Q. Tell us a little about your role in KU Student Affairs. How do you make learning possible?
A. I make learning possible by empowering [Sorority & Fraternity Life] students to become better leaders, scholars, and community servants through engaging programming. My goal is to equip them with the confidence and skills to thrive both within their organizations and in the broader community.
Q. What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone just starting in KU Student Affairs?
A. The best advice for new KU Student Affairs employees is to make a connection in every office in our [division]. This will help create genuine collaborations on programming in the future. Frequently visit other offices and ask about the ways they make learning possible.
Q. What’s a fun fact most colleagues don’t know about you?
A. I work part-time for the Kansas City Chiefs [in] their Youth Marketing/Flag Football department. I received a Super Bowl ring for my work during the 2023 – 2024 season.
Q. What do you do for fun?
A. During my free time, I enjoy coaching high school wrestling and football. I also enjoy playing video games and reading non-fiction books.
Q. Do you have a favorite quote that inspires you? Please share.
A. “If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” - Martin Luther King Jr.
Q. What’s your favorite spot on campus?
A. The Divine Nine Plaza (Burge Union).
Q. What is your favorite local restaurant or hidden gem in Lawrence?
A. India Palace.
Q. What’s your dream travel destination?
A. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Q. If your life had a theme song, what would it be?
A. “Atomic Dog”- George Clinton.
Q. Who’s your biggest supporter/cheerleader, or who do you go to for advice?
A. My biggest cheerleaders are my mother and grandmother, along with the strong support I receive from my fraternity brothers in Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Q. What do you hope students and colleagues remember about your interactions?
A. I hope students and colleagues remember the energy and enthusiasm I bring to every room I walk into.
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