Meet Dr. Catherine WoodBrooks!

What is your current position at Assumption College?

Vice President for Student Affairs

What do you love about working at Assumption College?

I get asked that question a lot and it’s difficult to answer because there are so many things I love about my work. If I had to pick one thing it would fall under the category of community. Friendship is a central component of our founding order, the Augustinians of the Assumption, and the culture of friendship permeates our community. Our alumni stay very connected to each other and to those of us who knew them as students.

When you aren’t working, how do you spend your free time?

I’m an Equestrian so I spend a lot of my free time with my horse at the barn. I am also certified to teach Paddle Boarding and spend time on the water in the summer. Both of these hobbies find their way into my life at the College. I’m the advisor to the Equestrian Team and I take student leaders out paddling during Leadership Training. Lots of blurred boundaries in the work of student affairs, and wouldn’t have it any other way.

Who inspired you to get involved in Higher Education?

I was a student leader as an undergraduate and interacted with some wonderful student affairs professionals. I was a Speech Pathology major but I found my calling through my RA experience and leadership training. I was introduced to the literature in the field and read everything I could get my hands on related to student development theory. I was greatly inspired by the work of Arthur Chickering, who continues to be one of the most prolific writers and revered scholars in the field.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned in your career (so far)?

I rely heavily on active listening and try to be aware that my own lived experience as a white woman from a blue collar family informs every conversation. There is much to be learned from acknowledging our differences and to seek ways to understand others’ perspectives. We all become smarter in the process. I work on this goal every day!

What is on your Higher Ed bucket list?

I think I would enjoy working at a university in a different country with a completely different approach to student affairs. It would be fascinating and I’m the adventurous type. I’ve considered some of these opportunities in the past, but the timing wasn’t right. If it were to happen that would be great, but I have no complaints. I’ve lived an incredibly blessed life.

What advice would you offer to new professionals who are starting their first professional position?

Stay in your first position at least two years, three if possible. Never underestimate the importance of networking. Join a professional organization and look for opportunities to volunteer at a regional conference. Read, read, read. There are so many great journals like The Journal of Student Development and The Journal of Higher Education that help you become better acquainted with current national issues in higher education. Best practices in the field of student affairs are ever-changing so be willing to learn new tricks!

Meet Joseph Lomastro!

What is your current position at Becker College?

• Director for Residence Life and Student Conduct

What do you love about working at Becker College?

• The people that I work with. They are absolutely wonderful people, who are truly dedicated to Becker College and it’s students.

When you aren’t working, how do you spend your free time?

• With my family, my wife Jen, my 4 year old daughter Alee, my 2 year old son Joe.  Oh and I must not forget our 2 dogs, Reina and Cooper. We are always looking for new family adventures to go on.

Who inspired you to get involved in Higher Education?

• It was not a single individual. It was a couple of different folks during my undergrad at Salve Regina University when I was a resident assistant.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned in your career (so far)?

• Consider every option but realize the best one may be the one you started with.

What is on your Higher Ed bucket list?

• Keynote at a national conference.

What advice would you offer to new professionals who are starting their first professional position?

• Own your mistakes, and believe me you will make mistakes. Your supervisor will respect you more if you take responsibility for your mistakes and work to fix them.

Meet Nicole Cartier!

Where are you working right now?

• I am currently working as as a Student Conduct Educator at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

What do you love about working at MIT?

• I have only been with MIT for a short amount of time, but I love the work I am doing. I am passionate about student conduct and especially Title IX, more specifically sexual assault, and the Office of Student Citizenship at MIT is allowing me to get my hands involved in both. I am even gaining experience in Clery Reporting, which is a phenomenal opportunity, especially given that I am still a graduate student, and it is a responsibility with much significance behind it.

When you aren’t working, how do you spend your free time?

• I am originally from Biddeford, Maine, so occasionally I plan weekend trips home to see my friends and family. I absolutely love being near the ocean, so any chance I can get to go sit by the water, I will take it. I also spend as much time as possible with my significant other. Working out, reading for pleasure, writing poetry, and meeting up with my International TaeKwon Do family up in Maine when I can are activities I enjoy, as well.

Who inspired you to get involved in Higher Education?

• A huge shout out goes to Colleen Ryan and Jaclyn Calovine Quinlan. Watching these young women in action in Babson College’s Community Standards office was, no doubt, what got me going with the student affairs bug.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned in your career (so far)?

• I would like to highlight two of the most valuable lessons I have learned:

• There is no right answer and no formula for the work we do, and that is okay.
• Every day is a learning experience.

What is on your Higher Ed bucket list?

• Work at a variety of institutions (small, private, public, prestigious/ ivy league, research, etc.).
• I believe I have accomplished most of this one already.
• Teach a first year seminar or first year experience course.
• Attend a national conference (NASPA or ACPA).
  • I believe I have accomplished most of this one already. I will hopefully be attending ACPA’s national conference in Montreal this upcoming year!
• Attend Gehring Academy through ASCA.
• Present at a regional or national conference (NASPA or ACPA).
• Attain my doctorate’s degree–potentially with a dissertation revolving around the ‘Imposter Syndrome.’

These are just a few that I could think of off the top of my head!

What advice would you offer to undergraduate seniors who are starting to search for grad programs?

• If there is anything I have learned, we all end up where we are supposed to be, so be bold and take chances when you are applying to graduate schools. Every program has something great, something special and unique to offer; find out what it is.