The words are powerful and inspiring, grouped like pocket-sized testimonials: “Connect with other students,” reads one. “Questions after class,” reads another. “Peer tutoring” and “Participating more” also find a home on this whiteboard.

While Soltys understands how it feels to struggle in class, she also knows how it feels to work and grind and find success. She speaks to students from a place of experience as well as empathy.

“On paper, I was a great candidate for college. I was successful academically and really involved in things in high school. I had a great group of friends,” Soltys said. “But when I finally got to college, I struggled to make that transition. It was a time in my life that was very challenging for me — emotionally, mentally. It was hard.”

Fast-forward a dozen or so years.

“What eventually got me interested in working in higher education was my own difficult path in college,” Soltys explained. “I feel like my motto has been, ‘I try to be the person I wish I had when I was in school.’ That’s always my goal.” 

On Oct. 21, Soltys will be honored at the Center for Faculty and Staff Excellence awards ceremony with five peers: Dawn Colomb-Lippa, senior instructor of biology and adjunct professor, physician assistant studies; Nita Prasad, professor of history and concentration director; John Bau, assistant dean for student experience and career development; Sarah Driscoll, director of international student services; and Emily Mc Cave, professor of social work and associate chair of the Department of Social Work.

It's clear Soltys has found her home base at Quinnipiac.

The Learning Commons is just down the hall from the entrance to Arnold Bernhard Library. For some students, the short walk to a meeting with Soltys might be their most important steps of the day.

Over the last 6 ½ years, Soltys has been promoted twice for her ability to connect with Quinnipiac students on strategies for classroom success. There are no blanket solutions here, only a tailored pathway to hope.

“I would say probably 80% of my meetings are with students who are on academic warning or academic probation,” she said. “But what I’ve learned is that a lot of these students are struggling not because they’re not capable, but because they have a roommate issue, or a death in the family, or maybe, a learning disability that’s recently been diagnosed.”

John Goepfrich, director of academic development and outreach, said Soltys supports students as well as faculty in her role.

“One of the many ways that Christie has demonstrated her commitment to excellence is through her role as a presenter to faculty on strategies to engage Generation Z students in the classroom,” Goepfrich wrote in his nomination. “This is a testament to her expertise, innovative thinking and the high regard in which she is held by our academic community.” 

For Lauren Mangenelli, assistant director of academic and career advising, Soltys is an unwavering advocate for students who are searching for solutions.

“Christie has displayed true leadership and care for the success and well-being of QU students time and time again,” Mangenelli wrote in her nomination. “Besides face-to-face student interactions, she shows her care by working behind the scenes to advocate for student-centered regulations and policies surrounding academic standing.”

As Soltys celebrates her Excellence in Service to Students award, it’s hard not to reflect on her 18-year-old self as a first-year college student struggling to stay afloat. Sometimes, she sees herself in the faces of the students sitting in her office.

Would her 18-year-old self recognize her now in a dress suit and polished shoes?

“Probably not,” Soltys said, pursing her lips for a moment. “Sorry, that was actually emotional for me.”

Indeed, the emotion has become compassion now, thanks to her parents, Mike and Teresa, believing in her all those years ago. 

“My parents were always in those supportive roles for me,” Soltys said. “But looking back now, I would probably just tell myself that the challenges you’re going through are going to help you get to the career path you were meant to have.”

Soltys leaned forward in her chair and paused for moment. 

“And that’s exactly what happened,” she smiled.