PhD, 2017 Tiffanie Spencer started a new position at the University of Vermont's College of Education and Social Sciences (CESS) as the director for diversity and community engagement in September 2018. She provides leadership in facilitating community partnerships to expand diversity initiatives for the college, with an emphasis on collaborating with local and national organizations, as well as on-campus colleagues, to develop accessible pathways for University of Vermont students, faculty, and staff from historically underrepresented backgrounds. Dr. Spencer had served as assistant director for diversity, retention, and student services at CESS since July 2017. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Notre Dame, and a Master of Education in higher education administration with a concentration in student affairs from the University of Pittsburgh. While earning her master’s degree, she gained experience in student conduct, as an assistant residence hall director, and serving as a mentor to underrepresented undergraduate students as part of a retention and empowerment program. Prior to beginning doctoral work at IHE, Tiffanie spent four years at Baylor University serving as a residence hall director in a first-year student, Living Learning Program community. Recognizing her work with GCAC and high academic standing she was awarded the inaugural J. Douglas Toma Excellence in Scholarship and Service Award for "academic achievements and institutional engagement." Her involvement with the GCAC program includes developing summer training prior to the advisers entering their schools, monitoring and analyzing the advisers’ data collection, and providing support to them in their daily responsibilities. Her GCAC duties have allowed her to expand her research, which focuses on college access.
