Coaching for student success at Austin Peay State
Learn the techniques employed by College Possible Catalyze coaches to address the most common systemic hurdles college students face
In this webinar, College Possible partner institution Austin Peay State will share how near-peer Catalyze coaches guide students through nine foundational topics that most commonly affect the persistence and retention of Pell-recipient, and first-generation undergraduates. Through our panelists, you’ll learn about the near-peer coaching experience from the perspective of a first-year college student, a Catalyze coach, and a student success leader.
Join our panelists and College Possible to:
- Gain understanding of the challenges that most commonly impact first-to-second-year student persistence
- Learn how near-peer coaches are trained to provide just-in-time support to augment staff resources
- View the near-peer coaching experience from multiple perspectives
- Learn how one institution has leveraged near-peer coaches to achieve student gains
- Experience a real-time roleplay of a staff-coach-student intervention
PRESENTERS:
Mary Lawman, Student Success Coordinator, Austin Peay State University
Mary Lawman is a student success coordinator in the Office for Student Success at Austin Peay State University. She received a bachelor’s in economics from Saint Joseph’s College and a master’s in academic advising from Kansas State University. Currently, Lawman leads a team of College Possible success coaches, academic advisors, and student success professionals who support freshmen and sophomore students in the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences. The team operates from the Appreciative Advising model, and strength-based coaching methods that support students holistically. Across all roles and locations, Lawman’s focus has been on empowering college students, and later, mentoring young professionals.
In her free time, she enjoys reading and coercing her family to play board games. As a military spouse, she’s had the opportunity to live and work in different areas of the United States and abroad.
Demetrius S. Hobbs, Coach, College Possible
Demetrius S. Hobbs is a College Possible coach who helps guide students through their freshman year by sharing his experiences and connecting them to resources. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechatronic engineering and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in public relations. With his academic background and coaching experience, Hobbs is passionate about helping students become self-sufficient and better equipped for their academic and personal goals.
When he’s not working, he practices mixed martial arts, specializing in Muay Thai. He also enjoys writing, watching movies, and stand-up comedy sets.
Jayme Taylor, First-year Student, Austin Peay State University
Jayme Taylor is a highly motivated student currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in broadcast media communications at Austin Peay State University. Along with a passion for media and broadcasting, they also have a keen interest in theatrical production and cultural studies. With a strong desire to learn and grow, Taylor has dedicated themselves to excelling in their studies and exploring all avenues of media and communication.
In addition to their academic pursuits, Jayme is also actively involved in extracurricular activities that allow them to explore their interests in theatrical production and cultural studies. They have participated in various theater productions and have volunteered in community events that celebrate diversity and promote cultural awareness.
DiLiesha Bryant, National Director AmeriCorps Recruitment & Engagement, College Possible
DiLiesha Bryant has nine years of experience working in the nonprofit and college access sector. He started his professional career as a two-time AmeriCorps member and then rose to occupy multiple director-level positions with City Year, overseeing volunteer management, program management, evaluation, learning and development, and organizational leadership. His experience as a first-generation college graduate led him to college access where he was the founding director of college counseling at a charter high school in Baton Rouge, LA, and most recently on the college initiatives team at a charter high school in Houston, TX.
Throughout all these experiences, Bryant has maintained a consistent focus on building systems and seeking creative solutions to challenges associated with the engagement, development and empowerment of young adults.
Catherine Marciano, VP Partnerships, College Possible
For more than twenty years Catherine Marciano has devoted her professional career to equity through education as a teacher, evidence-based program innovator, data collector and analyst, and dynamic senior leader of New York City based educational non-profits for social good. As an ally and competent strategist, Catherine has a proven track record of developing best-in-class programs that support individuals from traditionally underserved groups, in particular Black, Latino, low-income and first-generation students, in achieving post-secondary success. Most recently, as Managing Director of College Services for KIPP NYC Through College (KTC NYC), Catherine led design and implementation of internal strategies and external partnerships that boosted college completion rates for KIPP NYC alumni from 38% to a historically high 54%—all while the program scaled from serving 400 students to more than 2,200. A native of Cleveland, OH, Catherine has lived in New York City for 22 years. Catherine holds a BS in Mathematics from Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, IN.
