Bryan welcomes new receptionist, Elise Combs

Written By Samantha Burgess

Campus Correspondent

Elise Combs was filled with nervous butterflies when she went for her job interview at Bryan. “I usually just got a call and was hired on the spot at my previous jobs,” said Combs. “I didn’t know what to expect when I showed up for my interview, but the admissions staff were friendly and put me at ease.”

Combs left a good impression and was quickly hired as switchboard receptionist by Admissions Director Joshua Hood.

“Although there were many applicants, we chose Elise for her experience and outgoing personality,” said Hood.

Before she came to Bryan, Combs worked for Spring City as a utility clerk. She managed money and made payments for the town. “Bryan has a peaceful atmosphere and the job is less stressful,” said Combs.

Elise Combs Photo Credit:Samantha Burgess
Elise Combs Photo Credit:Samantha Burgess

As Bryan’s receptionist, Combs not only operates the switchboard but also does data entry. That includes student information and inquiries as well as information that counselors bring back from college fairs. Combs loves interacting with students and professors that walk by.

Director of Career Services, Whitney Smith, is always greeted by Combs smile in the morning. “She is full of joy, always polite and incredibly generous.”

Freshman theatre major, Bailey Hufstetler works in admissions and interacts with Combs on a daily basis. Hufstetler praises Combs for her personality and work ethic.

I am so excited to have her here working at Bryan. She is definitely a wonderful asset to the admissions staff!”

Elise Combs, born August 18th, 1979, is a Rhea County native. She attended Rhea Central (elementary and middle grades) and Rhea County High School. Combs later received her associate degree in business management at Chattanooga State. Combs was an athlete, playing softball at Rhea Central and basketball in high school. She also worked for the basketball team at Chattanooga State. One of her favorite memories was winning the 1990 world series with her softball team at 11.

Bobby Combs, her husband, works as police deputy for Rhea County. Mr. Combs is also the D.A.R.E lion mascot for Rhea County 6th graders. The D.A.R.E program works to prevent drug abuse by educating children about it. Elise and Bobby Combs have two children, Drew and Liza. Fourteen year old Drew is an 8th grader at Spring City Middle School and plays on the football team. Nine year old Liza is a 3rd grader at Spring City Elementary. The Combs are advocates for organ donation, as Liza herself has received two liver transplants.

The Combs enjoy visiting historic sites and cities and are big football fans.  “We also like volunteering a lot,” said Elise Combs. They work with the elderly and less fortunate and on Thanksgiving the family prepares food to serve to them.  

Combs hopes to be an example to her children, not only as a person of faith but also as an employee. “My mother was my example growing up,” said Combs. “I never had to question if she supported me and my athletics or if she would take me to church.”

Combs also hopes to be an example of Christ to others. She is a hard worker and very organized; however, she admits she struggles to leave personal issues at home and not let it affect her work day. God has been working on that aspect of her life.

“No matter how many mistakes you make or sins you fall into, God still loves you and stays by your side,” said Combs. “I always trust in Him to guide my life.”

 

Bio

Campus correspondent Samantha Burgess is a freshman majoring in communication. Burgess is actively involved in PCI. She writes Triangle articles on a variety of topics including campus life and current events. When she’s not doing homework, Burgess can often be found curled up with a good book, writing, listening to music or watching TV.

Samantha Burgess
Samantha Burgess