Anna Armistead balances work and education to achieve goals

A determined Ohio University Chillicothe student redefines success

Anna Armistead is no stranger to working hard. She has embraced the balancing act of work and education to design her life as a young professional and community leader. Throughout her journey, she has acquired a diverse skill set through a range of jobs and developed a strong sense of community engagement. As she prepares to finish her associate degree in business management technology at Ohio University Chillicothe, Armistead is excited to graduate and proudly display the diploma she set her sights on as a teen.

From a young age, Armistead demonstrated a strong work ethic she learned from her parents. Starting her first job at Rustic Gals Boutique at the age of 14, she transitioned to full-time employment at age 18 when she went to work on the assembly line at NIC Global Manufacturing Solutions, the Kenworth parts supplier where her father is the plant manager. Despite the challenges of juggling work and school, Armistead completed her final year of high school online and took on a new position at Kingston National Bank, proving her dedication and drive.

Armistead has held various positions, working in modeling, childcare, sales, banking and marketing. Her diverse work experiences have provided her with valuable insights and skills, allowing her to grow and adapt to new challenges. She recently took on a coordinator role with the Hope Partnership Project, a local collaborative that connects agencies, organizations and community members working on substance use disorder prevention, treatment and recovery. Previously she worked as a settlement and marketing agent at Benson and Motes Title Agency.

Her involvement in EPIC (Empowering Young Professionals in Chillicothe) further showcases her commitment to her community. As an EPIC board member for the past three years, she has worked alongside other dedicated individuals to revive the organization and help redefine what it means to be a young professional in Chillicothe. The EPIC communications officer, Armistead leads their marketing and communication efforts and plans quarterly events focused on professional and personal development.

Armistead has found ways to strike a balance while juggling the demands of her job and pursuing her education at OHIO Chillicothe.

“It was hard to balance it all,” she said. “Sometimes you just have to embrace the stress and know that this is not going to be forever and it's going to be hard, but also remember why you are doing it.”

Using a meticulously planned schedule, laid out in her trusted planner, she manages her time efficiently, ensuring that every task and commitment is accounted for. By prioritizing her goals and adhering to her vision board, she remains focused on her personal and professional growth. Armistead firmly believes in setting boundaries and aligning her activities with her priorities, which helps her stay on track and maintain her mental well-being.

While juggling her responsibilities, Armistead also enjoys pursuing her passions outside of work and academics. Cooking and gardening provide her with a creative outlet and a means to unwind.

Armistead remains motivated by her desire to better herself, set a positive example for her family, and make her parents, Brian and Stefanie Armistead, proud. Along with her twin brother, she is the youngest of five siblings. By persistently pursuing her educational goals, she has become the only one among her siblings who is earning a college degree. She chose the business management technology degree for its versatility and believes she will be able to broadly apply the skills and knowledge she has learned in her career.

As Armistead nears the completion of her associate degree, she acknowledges the support and guidance she has received along the way. The caring individuals she has worked for, the encouraging professors at Ohio University Chillicothe, her parents, and her best friend Macey Power have all played integral roles in her success. Their belief in her capabilities empowered Armistead to overcome challenges and thrive in her academic and professional pursuits.

Armistead said some of her favorite classes at Ohio University have included business classes taught by Dr. Greg Obi, real estate courses taught by Roger Watson, and a women's, gender and sexuality studies class. She especially appreciated the encouragement of Dr. Tanya Hire and Dr. Obi as she navigated her accounting and business courses.

Dr. Obi, an associate professor of management, has interacted with many students in his 20 years of teaching in higher education. He said Armistead is one of the studious and hard-working students who stand out.

“Anna Armistead is certainly one of the very outstanding ones! One of those that made me proud of the work we do,” Dr. Obi said. “She is one of those that will always be a shining example to her peers, and an added value to any organization."

Looking ahead, Armistead hopes to continue to make a difference in her community.

She will leverage her marketing skills and passion for community engagement in her new role as program coordinator for the Hope Partnership Project and looks forward to helping support the work of the people and organizations working on substance use disorder issues in and around Ross County. While she may not be on the front lines, she recognizes the power of spreading awareness and working collaboratively with local agencies and organizations to effect change.

As she prepares to graduate and settles into her new role at the Hope Partnership Project, Armistead remains grateful for the opportunities she has had and the connections she has made. Her story is a testament to the power of education, hard work and community engagement. With her unwavering drive and passion for making a positive impact, there is no doubt that Armistead will continue to redefine success and inspire others along the way.