Deborah Stevenson

CANDIDATE FOR: Vice President

Biography

For the past 15 years I have worked at Gonzaga University.  I have enjoyed several positions over the years, each with progressively more responsibility…and more opportunity!  Three years ago, I proposed a restructuring of some of our essential academic support units into an all-inclusive center designed to empower students to be active and independent learners in pursuit of their academic success.  Together with my team we have established an ecosystem of successful programs and services – working with students, faculty and staff – that focus on educational planning, course completion, persistence, retention, and degree attainment.  I was certain about my role on the project, which was to build a team of student success professionals, help articulate a shared vision and provide guidance, support, encouragement and accountability.  I was focused on creating an integrated systems-driven and data informed approach to supporting students.   I have relied on existing pathways to embed contemporary thoughts, ideas, concepts and programs.  And when those avenues did not exist, I engaged stakeholders across campus and together we innovated.

Vision for NCLCA

I subscribe to a servant leadership style and enjoy helping my team and those around me succeed.  I would approach my role on the Executive Board in much the same way as I created and stood up the Center for Student Academic Success at GU.   I would listen, work to understand the perspectives of those around me, synthesize themes, develop and manage an action plan…and when the time comes, roll up my sleeves and get to work!

Marketing Officer

Chris Gulino

CANDIDATE FOR: Marketing Officer

Biography

I am currently the Coordinator of Supplemental Instruction at the University of South Carolina. I supervise approximately 100 SI Leaders and a staff of Graduate Assistants. I also served as the Co-chair for the inaugural South Carolina Peer Leader Conference. During my role as Co-chair, it was my responsibility to plan and execute all aspects of the conference from opening to closing. I communicated successfully with vendors, conference attendees, and professional staff from other institutions while managing the deadlines of other committee members. Our committee also worked closely with our Assistant Director of Marketing & Operations in order to execute our vision and ensure the creation of our promotional materials. Prior to my career in higher education, I worked in marketing and sales for one of the largest online advertising agencies in the country. I kept an extensive list of prospective clients and held meetings in order to understand their needs.

Vision for NCLCA

My demonstrated history of time management, organizational skills, and dedication will allow me to exceed the expectations of the Marketing Officer. I believe my higher education experience, coupled with my success in marketing and sales, will allow me to execute the duties assigned to the Marketing Officer successfully, and I look forward to the opportunity to speak about my qualifications further.

William J. Neater

CANDIDATE FOR: Marketing Officer

Biography & Vision for NCLCA

It is with renewed energy and enthusiasm that I eagerly submit my name for consideration by NCLCA Membership to retain my position as Marketing Chairperson. I believe that I have advanced the role of the marketing position, with room to grow, and unfinished business to work on. From improving branding, to expanding communication channels, and refining Vendor relations, much has been accomplished. However, the work isn’t done - I would establish the following as priorities:

• Complete the branding alignment - There needs to be consistent messaging/identity across the Association.
• Expand communication channels – We have grown in social media, but it isn’t enough. We must expand outreach effectiveness and refine our communication protocol.
• Redesign our traveling table – Creating new display materials.
• Refine/Improve Vendor access – working with vendors to connect you to services desired throughout the year, not just at conference.
• Improve relations across sister and affiliate orgs – Build communication channels with Affiliate organizations and their marketing officers.

We are defining the role of the marketing chairperson as we live through the position.  I now have a great sense of the breadth that this position occupies, and the importance that it serves to the board and Membership. I won’t say that I’ve accomplished everything desired in the last two years, but I will say that from the learning process, I am confident that I can accomplish the above set of goals and more, while refining and defining the role for the future if elected to a new term as Marketing Chairperson. 

publications officer

Amy Caton

CANDIDATE FOR: Publications Officer

Biography

As the associate director of the learning commons and a university librarian, I am a hybrid faculty-administrator leading and facilitating peer learning services including course support, library services, supplemental instruction, the studio, and writing lab. My work with marketing publications for university programs includes clarifying the scope and impact of learning assistance services, elucidating the benefits of our work in the academic community, creating partnerships across departments, and celebrating what we do within our team and with the larger university. I do this through marketing handouts for new student conferences; annual infographics and reports; catalog, syllabus, and campus tour scripts; website branding; and annual banquets for consultants as well as administrative and faculty allies.

I support university publications by volunteering as the faculty advisor for our campus’ literary journal, supporting the student newspaper, and employing student liaisons to the university’s marketing & communication department. I also peer-review for TLAR, The Writing Center Journal, and Explorations, a university undergraduate research publication. My background includes layout editor for university literary magazines, global and line content editor for a national book publisher, and website content manager with experience in Cascade, Wix, and WordPress.

Vision for NCLCA

My vision as publication officer for NCLCA is to excite celebration of members’ efforts to dream, build, and innovate through spotlight stories; create a publication space for sharing news, tools, and knowledge to better support our programs; and continue the tradition of building resources for the larger community.

Ning O. Christopher

CANDIDATE FOR: Publications Officer

Biography

Ning Ovathanasin Christopher has spent the last 8 years in various roles within Florida Atlantic University's Center for Teaching & Learning (CTL).  In 2011, Ning started as an SI Leader for Calculus and a graduate assistant for the center.  In 2013, she happily accepted a position as the tutoring coordinator.  In 2015, Ning was promoted to assistant director as her role increased to include oversight of tutoring support for almost 100 courses via CTL small group tutoring, Academic Service-Learning tutoring, volunteer tutoring, residential tutoring, and the development and implementation of an Organic Chemistry Center—which alone had over 16,000 visits last fall. Most recently, Ning developed the Anatomy & Physiology Learning Center which opened this spring with a full Science Learning Center expected to open in January 2020 under her leadership.

In addition to the work Ning has done at FAU, she has been active in the learning center association community.  Ning has been involved with FCLCA, the Florida affiliate of NCLCA, since its inception.  She designed FCLCA’s logo and has volunteered with a multitude of tasks to support the organization—from overseeing the moderator process to creating the conference Guidebook.  She currently serves as the Marketing & Publications Officer for FCLCA (2-year term ends April 2019) where she designs and publishes the conference graphics, signage, and conference program, takes photographs for the conference, and maintains the FCLCA website.  In addition to regularly attending FCLCA conferences, Ning has attended several national conferences and recently presented at the 2018 NCLCA conference in Niagara Falls.

Vision for NCLCA

NCLCA is a valuable platform for the sharing of best practices from various learning centers across the country.  Having learned so much from the NCLCA community, Ning is excited for the opportunity to give back by serving as the Publications Officer.  Through the position, Ning hopes to collaborate with NCLCA Executive Board members to foster the sharing of knowledge and opportunities and to promote growth and professional development amongst learning center professionals. 

Gregory Farrell

CANDIDATE FOR: Publications Officer

Biography

I am currently serving for the City University of New York at Borough of Manhattan Community College as the Director of the Learning Resource Center (LRC). As Director of the LRC, I am responsible for the overall management and supervision of over twenty-five staff & eighty tutors who assist the department in providing academic support services to more than three thousand students each semester. Other duties include coordinating assessment projects, facilitating tutor training sessions and serving as chair of the Learning Assistance Committee. I also served in the Learning Resource Center as the Instructional Computer Services Manager for fourteen years providing a wide variety of instructional support for over 12,000 students and academic support services staff.

Affiliations/Member Organization Include:

• National College Learning Center Association (NCLCA) – Electoral Board Member

• Publications Officer (Currently)

• Association of Colleges for Tutoring & Learning Assistance – Member

• Online Tutoring Standards Committee Participant - 2018

• National Tutoring Association - Member

Vision for NCLCA

The National College Learning Center Association have been providing excellent professional development opportunities, guidance and support for Learning Center professionals for many years.  I am currently serving as the Publications Officer where my role is to communicate information, deadlines, and requests for action between the Board of Directors and NCLCA Newsletter and TLAR (The Learning Assistance Review). I also serve as editor of the NCLCA Newsletter and as a member of the Annual Conference Committee by creating and publishing the conference program (printed and digital). Lastly, I am responsible for monitoring the online Job Board and the NCLCA website to ensure information is updated and accurate. I envision the NCLCA increasing its exceptional support to new and experienced academic support service professionals while continuing to be the leading national and international organization for providing support to learning center professionals.

Sarah Sanders

CANDIDATE FOR: Publications Officer

Biography

My name is Sarah Sanders, and I am the Director of the Center for Academic Student Achievement at Bethel University in McKenzie, TN. I am seeking the Publications Officer position with the NCLCA Executive Board. I have demonstrated the ability to consistently monitor procedures to ensure that our learning center policy and procedures are being met. I have a strong capacity to collaborate with faculty and staff to create programs that will promote student success. Among my responsibilities as the Director, I am responsible for creating and disseminating promotional information to distribute to students, faculty and university staff. As director, I created a webpage for CASA, and I am responsible for creating and maintaining the content on the webpage. This webpage won third place in the Learning Center Web Site Excellence Award at the NCLCA annual conference in 2018. I develop training material and conduct training sessions to better serve the tutors of CASA. I have established policies and procedures for effective and efficient use of support resources for not only space but also for tutor time.

Vision for NCLCA

My vision as the Publications Officer is to bring my qualifications to the Executive Board of the NCLCA. I will use my creativeness to create and compile a conference program that will meet the needs of the attendees. I am determined to meet deadlines, and I feel that this will also benefit this position to ensure communication is fluid between the Board of Directors, the newsletter and the review.

Mark Woolwine

CANDIDATE FOR: Publications Officer

Biography

I currently work at the University of Louisville for Resources for Academic Achievement (REACH). I oversee UofL’s college reading intervention courses (GEN 105), study skills workshops, and departmental e-Learning initiatives. 

Vision for NCLCA

My vision for the role of Publications officer is to ensure that members of the organization receive timely information regarding NCLCA, the national conference, and publications. I would also like to work to make sure that the NCLCA website is up to date and that members can access archives of the newsletter, The Learning Assistance Review, Resource Directory, board minutes, and conference materials. I would also like to investigate new ways of communicating with the members of NCLCA.

I have extensive knowledge of website design. During my time as a graduate student, I was in charge of the Vice President of Student Affairs website at the University of Louisville, the graduate student association website, and the website for the Residence Hall Association. I currently oversee my own personal website and portfolio. I am also familiar with Wild Apricot, the content management system used by NCLCA for their website. I am proficient in Adobe InDesign for publishing, as well as other Adobe Creative Cloud applications for creating graphics and other visual elements. 

Recording Secretary

Pat Dempsey

CANDIDATE FOR: Recording Secretary

Biography

I currently serve as the Assistant Director of eSuccess at Florida Atlantic University in sunny Boca Raton, Fl. eSuccess ensures that our online student population has ample academic support opportunities, such as online tutoring, online success coaching and access to reliable wireless internet.

When I’m not working, I enjoy learning new things and relearning past interests. Current hobbies include calculus, computer programming, theology and bird watching. I also enjoy life with my lovely wife (Rebecca) and our Pomeranian (Simba).

Vision for NCLCA

I’m proud to put my name on the ballot for Recording Secretary. This would be entirely new territory for me, but I love to learn new things and want to contribute to NCLCA – an organization that has given me so much as I’ve started my learning center career.  I’ve been active in NCLCA and FCLCA for 4 years. Last year, I received an NCLCA runner-up award for Innovative Use of Technology.

As a newbie in the field, I’ve taken a lot of notes (of practice and of wisdom) from seasoned NCLCA members. I have meticulous attention to detail and a desire to provide informative information, two characteristics that would make me a good fit for this position.  In this role, I’ll continue to take a lot of notes to help the organization run effectively. I’ll also work hard to facilitate communication between the Board of Directors, NCLCA members, and other stakeholders. 

Stephanie Hopkins

CANDIDATE FOR: Recording Secretary

Biography

Ms. Hopkins began her career at Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) in 1995 where she currently oversees the general operation of the Student Success Center.  Before becoming the Director of the Student Success Center in 2011, she held previous positions at MSSU as a Financial Aid Counselor, Student Accounts Manager, and Academic Support Specialist.  In 2013, she received the Superior Service Award from MSSU.  She has earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an Emphasis in Marketing from Missouri Southern State University, a Master of Science in Human Resource Development and a Specialist in Education with an Emphasis in Industrial Education from Pittsburg State University.  In addition, she has taught University Experience (UE 100), College Academic Skills, Tutor Training, Leadership and Professional Development, and Business Communication classes.  Ms. Hopkins serves on various committees on campus.  She has been involved with the NCLCA for several years and has served on scholarship and conference proposal selection committees and has earned the Learning Center Leadership Certification – Level IV Lifetime. 

Vision for NCLCA

She feels that her role as Recording Secretary would be challenging yet rewarding.  Her vision for the role of Recording Secretary is to provide confidential, accurate documentation of all meetings, and to also provide strong communication to all parties involved.  She feels that details are important and that archives also need to be kept up to date and accurate.  She would also like to explore new ways to enhance the communication of pertinent information to NCLCA members. 

           Vote here             

vice-president

Lindy Coleman

CANDIDATE FOR: Vice President

I enthusiastically submit my name into nomination for NCLCA Vice President! I appreciate the opportunity to share my professional experience in the field, as well as address my aspirations for this Board position.

Biography

I have served on staff at the Center for Student Learning at the College of Charleston since 2001, as Study Skills Coordinator, followed by four years as Associate Director; I became CSL Director in 2015.  Holding three distinctly different positions within one center provides a unique perspective: during the past 18 years, I have worked extensively with students, developed training programs for and hired paraprofessionals, and supervised professional staff. Thus, I have both a wide lens view and an intimate working knowledge of the joys and challenges of running a center, including budget management, maintaining existing programs while exploring new initiatives, developing cross-campus relationships, and providing ongoing support, mentoring, and development opportunities for my professional staff.

Vision for NCLCA

I also feel that I would bring a unique perspective to the role of NCLCA Vice President, after serving on the Board from 2011-2017. As Recording Secretary, I had the opportunity to provide ongoing support for the programming and other work of the Board. This gave me a broad view of the many components of NCLCA, and the ways in which all work together to—in the words of Johanna Dvorak—“continue to grow and share our enthusiasm about the field of learning assistance...” As NCLCA Vice President, I will work with my colleagues to promote and pursue those same goals.