Julie Virgo:  An advocate for students

By Sun Min

Julie Virgo Graduate Porgrams Coordinator

Walk into the Graduate Programs office and you’ll get a warm reception from Graduate Programs Coordinator Julie Virgo.  A part of the SIU family since 1994, Virgo has counseled thousands of students on courses, careers and countless other topics.

“Julie really cares about students.  She is a true advocate for us.  Her door is always open and she is always upbeat.  We are so lucky to have her at CoBA,” said Emily Miller, a graduate student in accounting.

Virgo and her staff provide academic advisement to all graduate students and they coordinate with faculty to assist doctoral and executive MBA students.  “I love the interaction with students and faculty because I am helping them achieve their goals,” said Virgo.

When she’s not tending to her CoBA crew, Virgo is with her children – 16-year-old Brigitte, 15-year-old Sarah and 10-year-old Clayton.  “They keep me busy,” she said.

A native of Clay City, Virgo earned a bachelor’s degree from EIU.  She majored in sociology and minored in business administration.  She also holds a master’s degree in workforce education from SIU.