Overview

Tia is a passionate Student Affairs professional dedicated to creating meaningful experiences for students through memorable events and leadership development opportunities. As the Director of Student Activities & Engagement in Student Engagement & Belonging, Tia works alongsider her team to develop a sense of community across campus and shape to the Shocker Experience.

Originally from Southeastern Kentucky, Tia is a first-generation graduate of Eastern Kentucky University. There she studied art and was an involved leader in student life, housing, and first-year programs. She later served as a graduate advisor in housing and residence life at The University of Akron, where she earned her Master of Education in higher education. In between pursuing her education and beginning her career, she served as a literacy tutor through AmeriCorps.

Her own life experiences and career opportunities have fostered a passion for first-generation, low-income, and rural students who seek to change the trajectory of their future through education and involvement opportunities. 

Focus Areas

Information

Academic Interests and Expertise

Education

Master of Education in Higher Education Administration
The University of Akron | Akron, OH
May 2008

Bachelor of Arts in Art, Minor in Sociology
Eastern Kentucky University | Richmond, KY
May 2006

Expertise

Creating meaningful and memorable experiences for students throughout their academic journey. 

  • Student Development
  • Organizational Leadership
  • Event Planning
  • Risk/Crisis Management
  • Strategic Thinking
Professional Experience

Professional Experience

Wichita State University | Wichita, KS

  • Student Engagement, Advocacy & Leadership (formerly Student Involvement)
    Assistant Director | January 2022 - Present
  • Campus Activities & Recreation
    Assistant Director | September 2021 - December 2022
  • Student Involvement
    Assistant Director | June 2017 - August 2021
    Senior Coordinator of Student Activities | October 2014 - June 2017
  • Activities Office, Rhatigan Student Center
    Program Advisor | July 2009 - October 2014

AmeriCorps Serve Kentucky | Richmond KY

  • Eastern Kentucky University | Richmond KY
    Literacy Tutor, Madison Middle School | July 2008-June 2009

 

Areas of Service

Areas of Service

Wichita State University | Wichita, KS

Committtees

  • Member, University Collaboration Team | July 2017-present
  • Director, Student Life Programming Team | July 2017-present
  • Chair, University Homecoming Committee | July 2020-May2022
  • Chair, University Family Weekend Committee | July 2018-May 2022

Facilitator / Presenter

  • Facilitator, WSU Summer Leadership Institute | 2013, 2015, 2017, 2018
  • Facilitator, NACA® Programming Board Institute | 2022
  • Presenter, LEAD Conference | 2021