YE AR IN RE VIEW 2017–18
EXPANDING ACCESS
From the Dean “Our goal is to expand our academic outreach and provide access to high-quality education to a wide and diverse audience in the St. Louis region and beyond.� Mark Rollins, Dean, University College
On the Cover The newly renovated January Hall opened Thursday, August 23, with new University College offices and student advising. The renovation includes new, shared, state-of-the-art classroom space, an updated administrative suite, and an office for University College student advising. See page 10 for more details.
Dear friends and colleagues, University College at Washington University is a vitally important division of Arts & Sciences, the most far-reaching academic link between the university and the larger community. We provide both undergraduate and graduate educational opportunities to a broad and diverse audience that serve to enrich the quality of lives, promote careers, provide for workforce needs, expose people to a new type of knowledge, and contribute to their understanding of social issues in the St. Louis region and beyond. I am happy to report that, in the past year, University College has grown and expanded its impact and outreach along a number of lines. In continuing education, a major challenge is to find ways to expose adult learners to the history of ideas that have driven the evolution of the various cultures to which they belong, while at the same time helping them keep pace with the need for training in abilities that new technologies require. In response to this challenge, we have developed new and creative academic programs, including a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Studies (BSIS), which can be completed fully online. In addition, we have made it easier for students to apply for admission to programs and register for classes, and introduced important new ways to help students succeed. Prominent among the latter is a technology-based mentoring program that pairs students with mentors with experience in the academic or business world. These mentors can help students deal with a myriad of issues in real time, using the many modes of communication available to us now: face-to-face meetings, email, text messaging, and social media of various kinds. Having only launched the program this year, we already have hundreds of mentors and mentees who have signed on. We are also fortunate to have a new University College Alumni Council that includes former University College students who have gone on to have very distinguished careers in a variety of fields. Their expertise and advice have already proven to be a great resource for our strategic planning.
University College has significantly expanded the financial support that is available to our students, with new tuition benefits and scholarships, which are crucial to many of our students. We are grateful for contributions from individual donors and groups such as the Woman’s Club, which make it possible for us to reach more students every year. Finally, our traditional home in the historic January Hall has undergone a major renovation. This is an important upgrade to the face of University College, located prominently on the quadrangle of the Danforth Campus (where our classes and advising will continue to be held). This coincides with the acquisition of a large, recently renovated office space on West Campus for basic operations, such as processing applications, online registration, financial planning, marketing, etc. University College has thus had a very good year, and its future is full of promise. All of us in University College are excited about our prospects for the future. I would like to thank everyone who has helped us move forward. Your support is critical to our success. Sincerely,
Dean, University College
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An Overview University College is the professional and continuing education division of Washington University’s College of Arts & Sciences. University College plays a major role in meeting the educational needs of St. Louisans, developing new programs of study to meet the evolving demands of the local job market, and providing a world-class venue for those pursuing a variety of professional and personal educational goals.
To provide affordable access to programs and classes that are high in academic quality, measured in ways appropriate to continuing education at a leading research university, to a large and diverse audience in the St. Louis region and beyond. University College Mission Statement
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LEADERSHIP TEAM Mark Rollins, Dean, Professor of Philosophy & Philosophy-Neuroscience-Psychology Mark provides strategic leadership, vision, management, and planning for University College. As dean of University College, he also oversees the LLI and the Summer School. As a professor of philosophy, Rollins has published on the philosophy of mind, philosophy of science, and aesthetics. He is the author of Mental Imagery: On the Limits of Cognitive Science, and his current research is on perception. During his nearly three decades at Washington University, he has served on or chaired virtually every major academic committee and held numerous administrative roles, including as a faculty fellow in the Office of the Provost. Pat Matthews, Associate Dean for Academics Pat is responsible for developing and overseeing academic programs in University College, collaborating with faculty and staff from Arts & Sciences departments, professionals in the community, and our advising team. She also leads our online learning effort, ensuring that our students have access to high-quality, flexible learning options. Beth Landers, Assistant Dean, Director of Summer School As director of the Summer School, Beth oversees summer courses and programs for undergraduate, graduate, and pre-college students, both domestic and international. In her role as Assistant Dean, she handles faculty and student concerns during the summer sessions. 2
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ADMINISTRATIVE SENIOR LEADERSHIP Becki Baker, Director of Pre-College Programs Katie Compton, Director of Lifelong Learning Elizabeth Fogt, Director of Advising & Student Services Jon Hinderliter, Director of Marketing & Communications Maria Hunter, Registrar Katie Jobst, Assistant Director of Finance Karen Novak, Director of Administration, Finance, & Operations George Winston, Director of Admissions
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE AT A GLANCE FOUNDED
1931
OUR PROGRAMS
10 undergraduate certificates 6 advanced certificates 17 undergraduate degrees 11 graduate degrees 3 post-baccalaureate programs OUR GRADUATES
169 total degrees & certificates conferred in 2017–18
“ Making the WashU experience accessible to those who may otherwise not see it as an option helps cast a wider net in the community towards developing the future leaders in the St. Louis community while expanding the knowledge of those already in the workforce.� Tiffany Slater, PhD, Assistant Superintendent of HR for University City School District
WITHIN REA
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CH Making High-Quality Education Accessible for All Students With nearly 50 programs offered, our flexible enrollment options make University College the perfect partner on the path to continued education. From summer courses to expanded degree programs, University College strives to provide flexible educational opportunities that fit the demanding lives of students in the St. Louis region and beyond.
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Programs opportunity to challenge themselves in a supportive and encouraging atmosphere. Students in these programs develop skills that prepare them for college success both inside and outside of the classroom. Through the High School Summer Scholars program, students enroll in courses for credit and study alongside undergraduates. The High School Summer Institutes combine traditional undergraduate class and lab curricula with organized field trips, guest lectures, and small group activities.
SUMMER SCHOOL Administered by University College, Summer School at Washington University offers courses for students of all ages. It also organizes special programs, among which is the annual Summer Writers Institute, a two-week intensive program for adults that has been offered since 1995. The institute is led by distinguished writers from St. Louis, many of whom are current faculty members or graduates from WashU’s celebrated MFA program in creative writing. More recently, the Summer School has partnered with the ALLEX Foundation (Alliance for Language Learning and Educational Exchange) to offer intensive Chinese and Japanese language institutes. It also supports the International Summer Study Program which invites students from around the world enroll in courses and experience American campus life for five weeks. The Summer School’s Pre-College office offers a variety of programs that provide academically talented middle and high school students the
The Middle School Summer Challenge program is designed to expand students’ critical thinking skills in an exciting and innovative environment. The program provides academic support and team-building activities to enable all students to grow academically and socially.
LIFELONG LEARNING INSTITUTE The Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI) at Washington University is a community outreach education program for seniors ages 55 and over that offers a variety of noncredit academic courses. LLI is for people who love learning and seek a place to engage their minds. Of the 134 courses offered during the 2017–18 year, all were facilitated by volunteer members of the LLI community.
New Initiatives University College continues to develop new programs and initiatives to better serve our students and industry partners.
WASHU ST. LOUIS TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM The WashU St. Louis Tuition Assistance program has been expanded to include all of St. Louis City and St. Louis County school districts and civic employees. This tuition assistance program is available to those in full-time positions in a government department or school district in the metro area, such as public safety officers as well as school district teachers and staff. Eligible employees are invited to take classes at a reduced rate through University College.
INCREASED RETENTION EFFORTS The retention efforts have one goal — to help each admitted student complete a degree. Degree completion planning begins 6
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at the first meeting with an advisor and continues throughout a student’s program. We incorporate career and personal goals in selecting courses to allow students to gain critical skills as part of their degree program. Students needing additional help may also use the full array of WashU campus services for learning support.
WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY CONTRACTOR SERVICES SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM This scholarship program has been expanded to include employees of companies that are members of the Under-Represented Capacity Building program and the Apprentice Work and Education Program. In addition, we’ve increased the number of courses covered by the scholarship per semester.
A New, Flexible Degree for Working Adults BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN INTEGRATED STUDIES
ARTS & SCIENCES PROFESSIONAL TRACK
Created in the summer of 2017, the Bachelor of Science in Integrated Studies (BSIS) offers maximum flexibility for degree completion. This program is designed for adult learners who want to build on their existing education and tailor their degree to match their personal and professional educational goals.
In the Arts & Sciences Professional track, students pair the critical thinking, research, and writing that are essential across multiple careers with a set of skills that advances their prospects in a particular profession. This enables students to create a highly specialized program, with a deeper competency in a single field.
Unlike other University College undergraduate programs, this is a fully interdisciplinary program, highly specialized to the student’s unique experience and future goals. It enables maximum use of prior course work while also offering flexibility for fully online completion of the degree.
For students who love multiple areas of learning or those with earned credits from other institutions, the Bachelor of Science in Integrated Studies from University College provides the ideal balance of a flexibility and high quality to continue their education and build a foundation for their career.
Through the Integrated Studies degree, students acquire the foundation for career development and lifelong learning, honing skills in writing, deep reading, communication, and critical thinking. Drawing from departments across Arts & Sciences, students discover and engage with subjects across multiple disciplines in a given area concentration, or combine their Arts & Sciences courses with professional studies.
Explore the Bachelor of Science in Integrated Studies online at UCOLLEGE.WUSTL.EDU/BSIS.
Students choose from the following tracks — Area Concentration or Arts & Sciences Professional — each of which culminates in a capstone experience.
AREA CONCENTRATION TRACK In the Area Concentration track, students take course work across the humanities, social sciences, or mathematics and sciences, providing multiple perspectives and approaches to similar subjects. Learning how a variety of disciplines approach questions provides a foundation for appreciating differences across cultures, areas of work and life, and among individuals. Students consider the connections across disciplines, allowing better understanding and broad yet deep thinking.
2 1/3
of students transfer during their college careers.*
possible tracks to complete a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Studies degree.
* Statistic from the New York Times article, “6 Reasons You May Not Graduate on Time (and What to Do About It)” by Meredith Kolodner, published April 6, 2017.
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Post-Baccalaureate Premedical Program Pursuing a Career in Medicine When pursuing a career in medicine, strong academic resources and outstanding clinical opportunities can be invaluable. The Post-Baccalaureate Premedical (Post-Bacc Pre-med) program through University College allows students to enjoy the academic environment of one of the nation’s top universities while benefiting from personalized support in a program dedicated to their success. Through the Post-Bacc Pre-med program, students with a bachelor’s degree can either obtain their pre-health prerequisite course work or enhance their current science record to make themselves more competitive for medical school admissions. The program not only helps students fulfill admission requirements but is tailored to their needs with a robust offering of courses; clinical and nonclinical volunteer opportunities; research opportunities; MCAT preparation; advising; and a supportive, active community that shares in their goals.
Dedicated advisors cultivate relationships with students to help them reach their academic and career goals. When the time comes for students to apply to medical school, advisors assist with each part of the process — from giving feedback on personal statements and helping compile a strategic list of schools to coaching students on how to handle offers.
“ We encourage personal growth and reflection. Many of our students are actively involved in community service, research, and gaining exposure to patients, because these things are vital to wellrounded preparation for medical school.” Elizabeth Fogt, Director of the Post-Baccalaureate Premedical Program
“ The premedical program is a very practical way to approach the competitive process of applying to medical school. People are usually concerned about taking the MCAT, getting in, and managing the application process. University College’s advising team and their resources helped me handle all of that.” Zach Linneman, BS ’11, Post-Baccalaureate Premedical Certificate ’18
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FROM A STUDENT PERSPECTIVE When Zach Linneman decided to pursue a career in medicine, he chose University College to continue his education. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Chinese from Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis in 2011, Zach was confident in his choice of the Post-Baccalaureate Premedical program at University College. Throughout the program, Zach was challenged by a rigorous yet flexible curriculum taught by knowledgeable Washington University professors. “The professors are fantastic and were always available to answer questions and provide additional study materials. They inspired me to challenge myself to learn science and medicine at the highest level,” says Zach. Beyond the support of his professors, Zach found personalized one-on-one assistance from his advisors. The director of the program, Elizabeth Fogt, helped Zach lay out a clear and simple path to medical school. “No one can help you apply to medical school or complete the tasks that are required for acceptance, but Elizabeth and the advisors helped me to better understand the application process, train for interviews in medical school applications, and select the right medical schools to apply to,” says Zach. This can be a complicated process, but Zach had the support and guidance to succeed. Following completion of his Post-Bacc Pre-med certificate, Zach is spending a year in India before applying to medical schools. Throughout his undergraduate studies, Zach had the opportunity to work in Africa and Asia in child malnutrition; he dreams of continuing that work after getting his medical degree, with hopes of working abroad in maternal and child health. “The pre-med program is a practical way to approach the competitive process of applying to medical school,” says Zach. “University College’s advising team and their resources helped me immensely to handle all of it.”
Over the last several years, students from the University College Post-Baccalaureate Premedical program have received admission offers from nearly 90 different medical schools. Here are just a few premedical acceptances: • David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles
• Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania
• Duke University School of Medicine
• The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
• Emory University School of Medicine • Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College • Mayo Clinic School of Medicine
• University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine • Vanderbilt University School of Medicine • Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine
Fast Fact 92% of students who completed this program and applied to medical school were accepted.
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Renovations are Complete January Hall is Better Than Ever HISTORY OF JANUARY HALL Isabel Vallé January, wife of Robert S. Brookings, named January Hall after her mother, Grace. In 1919, Isabel inherited the family fortune when her mother died, and she gifted the building to Washington University as a memorial to her. Constructed in 1922, Grace Vallé January Hall housed the School of Law from the mid-1920s until the 1970s and hadn’t seen many updates throughout the years. Since the 1970s, January Hall has been the home of University College.
“ This renovation, along with the acquisition of other new office space, reflects a commitment to the mission of continuing education and coincides with the expanding outreach of University College and the development of exciting new academic programs.” Mark Rollins, Dean, University College
JANUARY HALL TODAY After a brief closure for renovation, January Hall reopened in the summer of 2018. It now houses the remodeled Dean’s Office, our Summer School, an advising office, and newly designed classrooms—including a state-of-the-art active learning classroom.
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New Technology Constructed in 1922, January Hall housed the School of Law from the mid-1920s until the completion of the Seeley Mudd Law Building in the early 1970s. Today, this formerly tiered lecture hall is an interactive lab where students use stateof-the-art technology to collaborate on projects and share knowledge.
1) New active learning classroom in January Hall, room 110.
2) Conference room in the updated administrative suite.
3) Foyer of the dean’s suite.
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71%
of students receive some type of aid.
Scholarship Spotlight Chelsea Williams, James L. Sweatt Scholarship Recipient PROGRAM
+$4 million
Post-Baccalaureate Premedical
HOMETOWN Sarasota, Florida
HOBBIES
in aid awarded to more than 800 students.
Latin ballroom dancing and visiting museums
IN FIVE YEARS… She plans to start the second year of her residency program.
TO THE DONORS “I am truly grateful for your kindness and generosity. The award showed me that others believe in my abilities. I had deferred my entry into the Post-Bacc Pre-med program for a year due to financial hardship. The scholarship served as recognition of my potential as a health care provider. As the first person to attend medical school in my family, this has been invaluable.”
University College Donor-Funded Scholarships SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS | 2017–18 3 Philip and Elsa Block Scholarships 2 Carol J. Epstein Scholarships 3 Gertrude H. Hast Scholarships 2 Marion E. Horstman Scholarships 10 James L. Sweatt Scholarships 2 Diane Willis Scholarships
Fast Fact The Woman’s Club was established at the university in 1910 and began awarding small scholarships to University College students in 2010 as part of its centennial celebrations.
6 Risa Zwerling Wrighton Centennial Endowed Scholarships
“ Scholarships are vitally important to the mission of University College of providing access to a college education to adult learners in the larger community, without them having to accumulate substantial debt.” Mark Rollins, Dean, University College
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Donor Spotlight Carol Epstein, BS ’08, MLA ’08 After a long and successful career in fashion design, retail management, and historic restoration, Carol Epstein decided in 2002 that she needed to attend to some unfinished business — continuing the college education she started earlier in her life. She began her academic journey with a course on Israeli politics at University College. Impressed by the dynamic and diverse learning community she found there, she went on to earn a minor in ancient studies, a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and a Master of Liberal Arts. Carol was also awarded Phi Beta Kappa from the Phi Beta Kappa Society (ΦΒΚ) which is the oldest and most prestigious academic honor society in the United States, with a long history of academic selectivity. The experience inspired her to become one of University College’s strongest advocates. She played a key role in the creation of the college’s Doctor of Liberal Arts program, and she serves as a member of the University College Alumni Advisory Council and the Arts & Sciences National Council. Epstein and her husband, Jon, also are generous supporters of University College. In 2008, they established the Carol J. Epstein University College Scholarship, and they made a significant commitment through their estate to endow the Carol J. and Jonathan G. Epstein Deanship in University College in 2015. Their gifts help ensure that University College will continue to provide world-class education to nontraditional students.
HOW DID YOUR EDUCATION AT UNIVERSITY COLLEGE AFFECT YOUR LIFE? “So much of what I do today — the choices I make, how I relate to the world, even how I feel about myself — has been influenced by my relationship with this institution. Jon and I believe that nothing is more important than a good education, and not everyone attains that in a traditional way. I was a nontraditional student myself, and it was an amazing and transformational experience.”
WHAT LED YOU TO BEGIN SUPPORTING SCHOLARSHIPS AT UNIVERSITY COLLEGE? “While earning my two degrees, I came to know many of my fellow students as more than classmates. I learned about their lives, ambitions, and hardships. I began to wonder how I could offset the financial burden for some of these incredibly deserving people. After sharing my interest and concern with Jon, we decided to create the Carol J. Epstein University College Scholarship. To date, we have helped seven students pursue their education.”
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO YOU TO SUPPORT WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY? Barbara Schaal, Carol Epstein, and M ark Wrighton at the 2014 Arts & Sciences Distinguished Alumni Awards.
“Jon and I want to demonstrate that a Washington University education is a worthy investment. We take pleasure in giving because we’ve seen how much the university contributes to people’s lives.”
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Mentor Collective The Mentor Collective at University College matches current students with alumni and others in the university community to help them achieve academic and personal goals. This online mentoring community gives degree- and certificateseeking students ongoing access to a network of mentors, many of whom are University College graduates, trained to offer guidance and advice. Students are matched with a personal mentor based on common academic interests, career goals, life challenges, and experiences. Additionally, participants can use the platform’s discussion guides and goal-setting activities to help spark meaningful conversations on topics ranging from time management and work-life balance to networking and job-seeking advice. To learn more about the Mentor Collective at University College, contact Elisa Wang at Elisa.Wang@wustl.edu or visit ucollege.wustl.edu/resources/mentor-collective.
MENTOR COLLECTIVE AT A GLANCE
82 mentors connected to a mentee(s) 137 students are matched with a mentor 288 conversations logged GOAL SURPASSED
137
100
This semester the Mentor Collective was able to match 137 students with a mentor, surpassing their goal by an additional 37%. GOAL
CURRENT PARTICIPANTS
What do mentors and mentees discuss? How will my major impact my professional options? How do I balance the demands of family, school, and work? How can I set myself up for academic, social, and career success? How do I make connections with peers and professional contacts?
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“I hope through my experience that I can help someone who is going through the same struggles by offering advice and encouragement. I wish I had a mentor to talk to as I was going through the struggles of working full-time, raising a family, writing papers, studying for exams, etc.”
“She helped me learn how to balance home life while being in school. Not to get too distracted, stay focused on succeeding, and have fun.” Diamond, Mentee
Carol, Mentor
“I feel like I’ve already made a lot of progress in better managing my social life, and working towards my goals!” Catherine, Mentee
“ I am volunteering because as a working mother, I could have used someone to talk to as I juggled multiple responsibilities and worked toward my degree completion. I want to offer advice so that current students have more folks to encourage them.” Mary, Mentor
“Learning that Mary, my mentor, was able to balance her work life, personal life, and school life was encouraging and helped me gain a little more confidence. She said while she wished she had a mentor when she was in school, that her family and her classmates were her biggest cheerleaders and supporters. Remembering that I have the support of others is really encouraging.” Samantha, Mentee
What does mentoring mean to you?
“Having people in my life who care about me, are interested in my success, and who I can talk to when things get tough has been invaluable for me. That is particularly true when they have been through some of the same experiences and share the same goals as I do. I would love to get the chance to play this role for students who come after me in the post-bacc program — a program that I love and that has done a lot for me.”
“This mentor program has made me less nervous about going back to school after so long.” Megan, Mentee
Angela, Mentor
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Employee Tuition Assistance Benefit WashU provides their employees, their spouses, domestic partners, and dependents with tuition assistance. We offer tuition benefits to Washington University employees, faculty, and staff. Employees regularly working during the day are eligible to enroll in courses offered through the evening programs, and employees regularly working in the evening/night shift are eligible to enroll in courses offered through the day programs. • The employee tuition assistance benefit pays 100% of the tuition cost for eligible undergraduate courses and 50% of the tuition cost for eligible graduate courses. • The benefit covers tuition assistance for up to seven credit hours per semester. • The tuition assistance is also available to spouses/domestic partners.
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Supporting WashU Staff Michelle Ellis, BS ’14, English and Psychology; MS ’16, Clinical Research Management Michelle Ellis started working at Washington University in 2002 in the Human Research Protection Office. After seeing a lot of room for advancement, it was important for her to earn a bachelor’s degree. As an employee, she was able to take full advantage of the WashU Tuition Assistance Benefit for her courses offered through University College. Ellis graduated from University College in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in psychology and a second degree in English and now holds a Master of Science in clinical research management. She has recently started her own nonprofit organization.
HOW DID YOU BALANCE WORK AND LIFE? “Coming to University College at WashU became part of my lifestyle. Not only with class and work, but we have great restaurants on campus. I didn’t have to go outside the university for dinner, for supplies, for anything. There are many great resources, within a couple miles’ radius. WashU is very accommodating, so school just
“Getting a degree from Washington University has opened so many doors for me. I utilize the skills I learned in my current job, in my personal life, and in just about anything I do.” Michelle Ellis, BS ’14, English and Psychology, MS ’16, Clinical Research Management
became a big part of my life. Once I got into the groove of attending classes and balancing work, life, home, and myself, it was no longer a challenge.”
DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH UNIVERSITY COLLEGE FACULTY. “I had the best professors. They were very encouraging and supportive. And they encouraged me to keep on going. I remember one professor prompted me to start looking outside the university for jobs. As a matter of fact, she would email me job listings and say, ‘You’re doing great on your assignments. Take a look at this job.’”
WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT EARNING YOUR DEGREE? “Washington University is part of my success story. If it wasn’t for WashU, I don’t know where else I would’ve wanted to go to school.”
Journey to Success 2018 Distinguished Alumna – Valerie Davisson When Valerie Davisson, MA ’89, was recruited to join Garden Ridge as chief people officer in 2013, the company was in the midst of a major reorganization. The home décor retailer, which had filed for bankruptcy in 2004 and was purchased by a private equity firm in 2011, was facing considerable challenges, including an employee turnover rate of nearly 400 percent. Davisson’s charge: Help create a new culture for the company, which was rebranded as At Home in 2015. By the time Davisson retired in June 2018, At Home had achieved a significant turnaround, growing from about 60 stores to more than 160 and landing on the top of several “Best Places to Work” lists. The retailer, based outside of Dallas, successfully transitioned to a publicly traded company in 2016. DISCOVERING HER PASSION AT UNIVERSITY COLLEGE For Davisson, an award-winning executive who earned a master’s degree in human resources management at University College, helping to build a new company from the ground up was the highlight of a stellar career. “Going public is a pipe dream that many organizations have,” she says. “Being a part of actually making it happen was a once-in-a-lifetime achievement.”
PASSION AND PURPOSE Davisson’s climb to the top of the corporate ladder started at a young age, when she first began to understand the crucial role of people in organizations. “My dad, who was a huge mentor of mine, was in business all of his life,” she says. “He would come home and tell stories about the people he worked with. When they worked together, they had great results and felt very satisfied.” After earning a bachelor’s degree in public administration at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Davisson decided to pursue a master’s degree to further her career. At the time, she was working at a medical staffing agency in St. Louis. Close to home and convenient, University College offered her the opportunity for world-class learning with the flexibility she needed to maintain full-time employment. Davisson discovered her true calling while studying human resources management at University College. “My passion for human resources was awakened,” she says. “It’s a more people-centric side of business.
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You’re helping people grow their careers and their wealth. At the same time, you are designing a workforce that will deliver on business objectives. There is nothing more satisfying to me.”
SUCCESS IN THE C-SUITE With her master’s degree from University College in hand, Davisson was able to land leadership positions at multiple corporations. Prior to joining At Home, she served as chief people works officer at Brinker International, which has a portfolio of more than 1,600 Chili’s Grill & Bar and Maggiano’s Little Italy restaurants, and as vice president of human resources at Yum! Brands, a Fortune 500 company that operates more than 45,000 Taco Bell, KFC, and Pizza Hut restaurants. Davisson’s work with At Home was widely lauded. In July 2017, she received a Women in Business Award from the Dallas Business Journal in recognition of her contributions to improving the company’s corporate culture and employee satisfaction. At the time, At Home chairman and CEO Lee Bird said, “Valerie has played a major role in recruiting our impressive and talented team, and in turn, At Home is well-positioned to be a leader not only in home décor but in all of specialty retail.” Davisson attributes much of her success to her Washington University education. “My experience at University College could not have been more important to me and my career,” she says. “There’s no doubt that having an advanced degree from Washington University has opened doors for me. There are opportunities I’ve had because of that degree, and without it, I may not have been considered.”
“You’re helping people grow their careers and their wealth. At the same time, you are designing a workforce that will deliver on business objectives. There is nothing more satisfying to me.” Valerie Davisson
GIVING BACK TO OTHERS In addition to her professional accomplishments, Davisson has a strong record of serving her community. She is a champion for women, education, and children in need. She is a member of the board of directors for Elizabeth Toon Charities and the board of advisers for the HR Roundtable at Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business. She formerly served as a board member for the International Women’s Forum Dallas. In addition, Davisson serves on the University College Alumni Advisory Council. In 2017, she established an annual scholarship in the college to help other nontraditional students achieve their educational goals. “My motivation to give back comes from my personal experience,” she says. “University College is a special place. And without support, like anything else, it won’t be able to flourish and grow. I want to make sure others have the opportunity to take advantage of this unique resource.” In April, Washington University presented Davisson with an Arts & Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award. She was among eight alumni and friends honored for their achievements, service, and commitment to the liberal arts. Former Washington University administrator Ilene Wittels, AB ’53, PhD ’71, remembers Davisson as a student who always knew where she was going. “She had complete grasp of what it takes to motivate people,” Wittels says. “We are very proud of her. She is one of our real successes.”
Know a notable alum? Nominate them at artsci.wustl.edu/nominate
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New Alumni Advisory Council OVERVIEW AND RESPONSIBILITIES As part of his goal of supporting our mission to increase access to University College, Dean Rollins created the alumni council in order to provide necessary guidance and feedback. The members of the council are highly distinguished leaders in a variety of fields. Ultimately, the formation of this new alumni advisory council has strengthened our ability to develop impactful strategies for our future students.
MEMBERS Mark Rollins with Barbara Schaal
“ I’m very pleased to see the formation of such a strong Alumni Advisory Council, as this will help guide the future of University College at an important time in our institutional development. University College provides critical opportunities for both students and faculty and is an essential part of our mission.” Barbara Schaal, PhD Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Sciences Mary-Dell Chilton Distinguished Professor
Mark Rollins Chair Theodore R. “T.R.” Bynum III, BS ’01, JD ’08 Counsel at Wells Fargo Advisors Norman Davis, BS ’69 Retired Director at International Paper Company Valerie Davisson, MA ’89 Retired Chief People Officer at At Home Reginald Dickson, BS ’78 Chairman & CEO at BYW Investment Advisors, Inc. Carol Epstein, BS ’08, MLA ’08 Community Advocate & Philanthropist Joseph Goldkamp, BS ’06 Founder & Principal at River Cities Civic Engagement LLC Anthony O’Driscoll, BS ’84 Vice President at Sev-Rend Corporation Ronald Saks, BS ’66 Retired Chairman & CEO, LMI Aerospace, Inc. Jim Schiele, BA ’52, MA ’85, MA ’11, DLA ’15 Retired Founder & President, St. Louis Screw & Bolt Company
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Recent Awardees Erin Corzine 2017–18 Annual Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence Victoria May 2017–18 Annual Dean’s Faculty Award Valerie Davisson 2018 Distinguished Alumni Awards Eileen G’Sell and Deanna Benjamin 2017–18 Marion Horstmann Online Teaching Innovation Grant Recipients, Co-Winners
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
Recent Additions We’d like to welcome our new program coordinators: Noah Cohan, PhD American Culture Studies Cynthia Wessel, PhD Business; Global Leadership & Management Tom Keeline, PhD Classics David Marchant Dance Stephanie Kirk, PhD Doctor of Liberal Arts/Master of Liberal Arts Shefali Chandra, PhD History Todd Decker, PhD Music Shirley McTigue Physics Sunita Parikh, PhD Political Science
“ The WashU St. Louis Tuition Assistance program through University College is a much-needed educational asset for all parties involved. I’m proud to be a member of the University College’s Advisory Council.” Reginald Dickson
Mark Valeri, PhD Religious Studies
Chairman & CEO at BYW Investment
Miguel Valerio, PhD Romance Languages & Literatures
Advisors, Inc.
See page 6 for more details.
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE AT WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
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Giving At University College, we are dedicated to educating adult learners who will influence our world for generations. You can be a part of our important work by making your gift to the Washington University Annual Fund today. Visit us online at gifts.wustl.edu or contact the Annual Fund at (877) 215-2727.
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2017–18 YEAR IN REVIEW