Written by: Liillian Lelko
Disability Support Services (DSS) has hired a new coordinator, Jahnil Ancheta, who is bringing hope to students on campus who have disabilities.
Ancheta, a 2009 Southern graduate, stepped into the position on July 1 and plans to advocate for students on campus.
“I just want people to know that we’re here to help them and to advocate for them and to serve them,” Ancheta said. “I feel very passionate about helping students succeed here at Southern.”
“I feel very passionate about helping students succeed here at Southern.”
Heidi Burke, a sophomore history major who navigates campus with a wheelchair, said she is optimistic about the impact Ancheta could have on the quality of life for disabled students on campus. Last year, Burke expressed concerns to the Accent about the lack of accessibility, mentioning a lack of elevators and ramps in many of the buildings.
Chrystelle Toledo, a freshman elementary education major who also uses a wheelchair, said of Ancheta, “She is doing great in DSS. Things are moving and getting done, which is refreshing.”
After graduating from Southern, Ancheta worked for the Tennessee Disability Coalition in Nashville, Tennessee, partnering with Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, where she worked with individuals who suffered from brain injuries.
“I had a few different roles,” she said. “[I was a] stay-at-home mom for a couple years, and then went back to work. … I put in a lot of prayer for God to open the door somewhere else, and I actually got the position here at Southern as an admissions counselor.”
When Ancheta returned to Southern as the transfer admissions counselor three years ago, she was immediately intrigued by the DSS office and the disability services coordinator position.
“I remember saying, ‘Oh my gosh. If I could have any job at Southern, that would be the job I would want,” Ancheta said. “So, three years later, God does His thing and opens the doors.”
Ancheta majored in social work during her time at Southern, which she attributes to her love for serving people who are marginalized in society.
“I think I have a passion for advocacy in general, which is why I became a social worker,” Ancheta said.
“I think I have a passion for advocacy in general, which is why I became a social worker.”
She said she loves working at Southern, where she feels “valued not just as an employee, but as a person, as a child of God. It’s not always like that everywhere you work.”
Ancheta wants DSS to be a safe place where students can find help.
“[I want them to] feel like someone cares,” she said. “Because I truly care. I feel very called to this position.”
Students who need assistance can call DSS at 423-236-2544 or email the office at dss@southern.edu. Ancheta’s office can be found on the third floor of the Bietz Center in Suite 3900.
