Abbey O’Connor & Stuart Paykel ’14

Before coming to Longwood, it was unusual for Stuart Paykel ’14 to seek advice from a mentor. Typically, the finance/real estate major did his own thing and rarely asked for help, but Assistant Dean and MBA Program Director Abbey O’Connor changed all that.

“She immediately struck me as someone who I could look up to, whose advice would definitely be worth considering,” said Paykel. “She’s significantly changed my college experience.”

O’Connor’s first impression of Paykel was somewhat more complex. Despite moving from teaching undergrads to an almost exclusively administrative position four years ago, she continues to teach LSEM (a required seminar designed to help entering freshmen transition to college life) in the business school each fall. Paykel was in her class. “Stuart immediately struck me as a bright student with a lot of potential,” she said. “But I was a little concerned that he might be more interested in partying than cracking the books. Fortunately he proved me wrong.”

When she learned that Paykel earned a 4.0 GPA his first semester, O’Connor speedily suggested that he consider Longwood’s Honors College. With her help, he applied and was accepted.

From the start, Paykel said, the experience has been challenging, but he’s done well. “I was nervous coming to Longwood. My high-school grades weren’t that great, and I didn’t want to repeat that in college. Without Dean O’Connor I’m not sure how things would have played out.”

Paykel appreciates that O’Connor doesn’t treat him as a subordinate. “I feel on equal ground with her,” he added. “We can talk about anything really: time management, internships, life in general. After graduation, I’m sure we’ll keep in touch. I see us grabbing lunch or coffee and talking things over.”