Lily Gisclair
“If you know me, you would love me,” Betty Phillips said with a smile in her eyes.
For those who don’t know Ms. Betty yet, she is, in title, a supervisor in Crosby Hall.
In the admiring eyes of the staff and women of Crosby Hall, however, the word supervisor is an understatement.
Phillips started at the University of Mississippi in 1989.
With 16 siblings, three children and five grandchildren, Phillips’ family roots and the town of Oxford are irrevocably intertwined.
Having studied at UM, then continuing to work here for nearly 30 years, she has become the ultimate embodiment of creating a home on campus.
Described by a co-worker as an angel, Phillips is known for her warm laugh and positive spirit. To incoming freshmen students, she is the ideal individual to welcome them into a comfortable environment free of judgment.
“You try to get that communication (with students) so that way you get close to them, make them feel welcome here, and they won’t miss home so much,” Phillips said.
After observing the countless individuals that approached Phillips with smiles and adoration, it’s clear that she’s a perfect example of practicing what you preach.
In terms of practicing, she certainly has devoted her time.
“When I first came out here, I was a custodian,” Phillips said. “I was cleaning and housekeeping. I did that for five years before I became supervisor.”
When speaking of her years as a custodian, Phillips highlighted her relationship with the women on floors four and five. She happily recounted numerous memories when she felt close to several of the residents that took the time to build a friendship with her.
Phillips mentioned one particular student that lived in Crosby Hall during the school year and cleaned the dorm with her in the summertime.
She fondly recalled her friendship with the girl she described as sweet.
“I would say I became pretty close with her,” Phillips said.
No longer a custodial worker, Phillips’ favorite part of her job now is her workers.
“I love my workers,” Phillips said.
She cherishes coming to truly know people over a long course of time.
After 64 years of life, Phillips strives to share guidance with students closer to starting line of their journey.
She leaves the freshmen of Crosby with this piece of advice: “Keep the same (positive) attitude, and (you’ll) go a long way in life.”
