Aseret Loveland

Nestled in the heart of IVCC, resides Aseret Loveland, whose journey from a first-generation student to becoming a beacon of guidance and support for others is remarkable. In an exclusive interview, Loveland shared her path through education, her dedication to her community, and her passion for empowering students to bloom wherever they are planted.

Loveland was raised by her single mother in Spring Valley and attended Hall High School. Throughout her academic journey, she had to navigate without the privilege of mentorship or guidance. Despite feeling the absence of direction keenly, this void ignited a determination within her to carve a path for herself and help others do the same.

Reflecting on her early experiences, Loveland shared, “I didn’t graduate with any fancy honors…I didn’t get any help really figuring out what to do after high school.” However, the absence of support fueled her desire to make a difference in the lives of students facing similar challenges.

After graduating high school she attended IVCC during the years of 2008 and 2010. While at IVCC, Loveland discovered the Project Success program and applied.

She found the guidance and workshops “incredibly beneficial and provided a better foundation of what to expect and achieve in furthering” her education. She was also a 21st Century and PTK All-Illinois Academic Scholar in 2010.

Following her education at IVCC, Loveland continued to Eastern Illinois University (EIU) with aspirations of becoming a teacher. However, her journey took an unexpected turn as her fascination with sociology grew, coupled with the mentorship she received at EIU, which steered her towards a career in higher education.

During her time at EIU, she completed her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and her Master of Science in Student College Affairs. Her journey through EIU’s master’s program in college student affairs illuminated her true calling: to support and advise college students.

Despite uncertainty about the specific direction she wanted to take, she embraced opportunities as they came, including a role in admissions at EIU. Ultimately, Loveland had her sights on returning to IVCC.

In 2013, she returned to IVCC with an internship under Dr. Morris to see what area would be of interest to her. Then when an opportunity in admissions arrived, she applied and was hired as the Assistant Director in 2015.

She got married and had two boys while working as the Assistant Director of Admissions for 8 and a half years. In 2023, she transitioned to become a Project Success counselor.

“I’m juggling motherhood and learning a new position while still having fun,” Loveland said. In addition to being a Project Success counselor, Loveland helps advise the Project Success Leadership Team and the Hispanic Leadership Team.

With her new position, Loveland can have more meaningful conversations with students and have more one-on-one interactions with them. “I find that I get to play being a mom sometimes just to remind students why they’re here,” Loveland said.

One of Loveland’s goals, as an educator, is to create a safe and supportive environment for her students. She understands the anxiety that comes with asking for help and wants to ensure that her students never feel that way.

Loveland believes that she has become quite skilled at asking for help, to the point where she may be “bothering” others. Because she knows that students have a lot going on in their lives, just as she did when she was a student, Loveland wants her students to feel like they always have someone to turn to for assistance.

Jennifer Cortes, a former colleague and a current mentee of Loveland’s, reflects on her experience, saying “It’s not intimidating to talk to her…she has an overall welcoming attitude…she makes things fun.” Cortes says she is always telling people outside of IVCC “You’ve got to meet Aseret.”

For Megan O’Boyle, another former colleague and one of the students Aseret has mentored, Aseret’s presence has been transformative. “She makes me feel hopeful about my future and that I can actually accomplish what I want to do with my life,” Megan shares, echoing the sentiments of countless others whose lives Aseret has touched.

Aseret Loveland’s story is one of resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the betterment of others. As she continues to inspire and uplift those around her, she reminds us all to bloom where we are planted, for it is in our shared growth and support that true flourishing occurs.