Sallie Braxton

Along the way, as she counseled students, she took to heart her own advice. Braxton earned a master’s in educational administration and supervision at Virginia State University, repeatedly making the hour-and-a-half drive from her job in Fredericksburg to the Petersburg campus.

“I would work a full day, and Dr. [Conrad] Warlick was kind enough to let me take lunch at the end of the day,” she said. “Classes ended at 10, and then it was back to work the next morning at 8.”

And back to her labor of love – steering Mary Washington students toward success.

What do you love most about Mary Washington? It just spells quality to me. I don’t know how else to put it.

How would you describe yourself? Honest and intuitive. Professional. You have to give 110 percent every day, regardless of what’s happening on the perimeter. Our students and my colleagues deserve no less.

What motivates you? My upbringing and my family. I think about my mother and what she instilled in me – to do well, to work hard. She didn’t push us, but she instilled in us the value of education, and she cheered at every milestone we met.

What are you passionate about? My friends; if I’m your friend, I’m your friend through thick and thin. I’m passionate about causes, too. You have to stick with your fundamental beliefs and carry those through. You have to leave this Earth a little better than you entered it.

What are you afraid of? You know, at this stage in my life, I don’t think I’m afraid of anything. I have a strong faith, and fear really isn’t an issue or an option. My husband would tell you snakes; I don’t like reptiles.

What keeps you awake at night? The only thing that really keeps me awake at night is my daughter, her well-being, and any sort of family issue.

What one thing would people be surprised to learn about you? Probably that I’m writing a novel about my grandfather, A Granddaughter’s Memories and Musings.