Welcome to the Life Chair.

Your place to explore who you are

“College students are magnificent. Unique. Extraordinary. Your limitless potential can change everything."

– Amy Badal

College can be the foundation for your life. A pivotal chapter that shapes your future.

There’s no reason to do this alone.

I’ll help you find clarity and joy on the path from who you are right now to who you want to become. With the Life Chair, together we'll chart a course filled with opportunity, fulfillment and personal development.

What is the Life Chair?

still in pretty good condition after 20+ years!

The Life Chair is real —

an upholstered wingback chair that sat in my campus office for 22 years, where thousands of young adults shared their stories and found the freedom to be themselves. Affectionately named by my students, the Life Chair was a place for joy, inspiration, dreams, resilience, triumphs, failures and transformation. The fabric holds laughter, tears, handprints and even a few footprints.

More times than I can count, I sat with students in real-life moments when they felt overwhelmed and needed reassurance.

I heard so many stories about their challenges — setting life goals, managing friendships, recovering from a poor decision, meeting others' expectations, grieving a breakup or finding motivation. The Life Chair gave them a space to share their story, be heard, and receive guidance and encouragement.

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meet the woman behind the chair

Hi, I’m Amy.

As a former dean of students at a highly selective liberal arts university, I bring more than 20 years of professional experience as a university dean. I was responsible for guiding thousands of young adults through life outside the classroom and had the privilege of helping many who sought help and advice.

I want to help you make the most of these years and beyond to lead a deeply meaningful life with irresistible confidence.

With an M.S. degree in College Student Personnel from Miami University and a Ph.D. in Student Affairs Administration from the University of Georgia, I’ve dedicated my career to understanding and connecting with students. I bring deep expertise and insight into the transformational growth that occurs during college.

College isn't just preparation for the next stage. It’s real life, right now.

The Life Chair has helped thousands of students. (Yes, thousands.)

And now it’s your turn to tap into your true potential and experience college with intention.

So many students just let college “happen.” I’m here to help you take charge of your experience — to support you in finding your joy and building irresistible confidence that leads to a deeply meaningful life.

Together, we'll unlock your magic.

Bring your own snacks to the life chair!

You deserve to be heard, understood and respected.