I believe that getting an education absolutely changes lives not of just the student, but of an entire family. So as I was looking for a way to give back to the community and serve I was looking for roles that would utilize my administration skills but that also worked to help students get a degree. CIS was the perfect fit!
I started working for colleges and universities in 2004 and have served at big state schools and small private liberal arts schools. What I love about working for Whitworth is that we work to come along side students while challenging them with hard things. I spent most of my career working in Student Life as an Associate Dean but am currently working as the Assistant Vice President of Student Retention helping students complete their college degrees.
I care about my family and loving others well. I care about maintaining a growth mindset and I know that growth only happens when I push myself to do hard things. So I want to try to move toward the hard instead of avoiding, because I know that this is where I will grow! My super skill is using emotional intelligence to create opportunities for deeper relationships.
I was a quiet shy kid all through elementary school. In high school I was an athlete that struggled with math and science. I learned that if I work twice as hard on my schooling I would still struggle. But I would pass! My first boss taught me so many things. I still connect with him a few times a year to just catch up and he is still teaching me! Everything is an opportunity to learn. I especially love thinking about having a growth mindset and using vulnerability to emotional intelligence to set others up well.