Texas Tech University

Eli Harvill

Student Success Specialist

"If you can't change it, change your attitude.” 

Eli Harvill, Success Specialist

My goal is to help each student find and be the best version of themselves- regardless of where that takes them. I cherish aiding students in the development and realization of their life, educational, and career goals. I am here for students in whatever capacity they need me. From landlord problems to difficulty with a class, I'll make sure students get where they need to go.  
  
I have been working in retail management for the past couple of years since I graduated from TTU at H-E-B. I worked the front end and am still haunted by phantom beeps from time to time. I also may or may not end every conversation by telling people to have a great day. In my past role, I primarily managed TTU students (and upset customers). It was and is a joy to work with such a talented, dynamic, and diverse population. This job serves as a way for me to get back to my roots and values. Students are where my passion lies, and I am so excited to be here and to be a part of your story!  
  
Outside of work, I am a black belt baker. I have yet to be defeated by a pastry or cake. Though, I have gone a few rounds with a bread or two. If you stick around my office long enough, baked goods are bound to pop up.  

Stats

.5

 
Years in Higher Ed

.5

 
Years at TTU

Graduation Cap

Nutrition & Dietetics

Ask me about:

My advice to my 18-year-old-self.

I would tell him to take his time to explore himself and the world around him. I would tell him he doesn't have to have it all figured out right now and it's ok to grow as he goes.  

What I find to be one of the coolest things about Lubbock.

There are tons of art classes at the LHUCA that are low cost and very fun. You can even learn to turn pottery!  

What I was pretty sure I would be when I grew up.

I was pretty sure I'd be a horticulturist when I grew up. Whenever my family would go on road trips, I would force my father to pull over so I could collect specimens. I'm fairly certain there is a book full of pressed black-eyed Susans floating around my mom's house.   

The best piece of advice I've ever been given.

To be a success you must learn to do things you do not want to do when you do not want to do them.  

My Academic Journey

I went to university far before I was ready to cope with the stress, pitfalls, and independence of colligate life. I completed a couple of years of classes at Texas A&M, with moderate success, before I found myself lost in a series of mental and physical health crises which played out over the course of a year. I was removed from my college at A&M due to my poor performance and found myself stuck. I returned to Lubbock, my hometown, to receive the treatment I needed and to get my life and myself back on track. It took more time, patience, and work than I would like to admit but I eventually found myself ready to return to school after a couple of years. I decided I would transfer to Texas Tech so that my support network would be available to me during my education. Things were not perfect when I returned. There were bumps and the occasional boulder in the road, but with the support of my family, my friends, and my Red Raider community I was able to graduate. I did so in 2019 with a TTU GPA of a 4.0 and as the highest ranked graduate in my class.  

My Background

Took Time Off

Took time off during degree.

 

 

Worked in College

Worked while in college.

 

Skills

Running into Door Frames
96%
Hand Knitting
92%
Program Development
93%
Walking in a Straight Line
15%