CLAS Promise team

I always knew I wanted to work with the PROMISE program! This population of student’s remind me of my purpose as an advisor and educator. I am now the CLAS PROMISE Chair and I enjoy the role of creating innovative ideas and events, meeting new cohorts of students, and preparing PROMISE students for the future. My extensive background of 19 years in education has provided me with a broader outlook on the needs of students. I am passionate about student success, and I enjoy observing and assisting students in reaching their ultimate goals! I believe education is the door that unlocks opportunities for the future!

I really enjoy working with our PROMISE students, building real connections with them as they navigate their academic journeys. Getting to know their unique interests—whether academic or personal—is something I truly value. I love being part of the special events we have, where I get to interact with students in fun ways and help create a supportive community. It’s super rewarding to see them grow and succeed along the way.

Hey there, I’m Racheal, currently serving as a CLAS residential advisor at UF, where I work closely with Promise students. I’ve been advising since 2019 and joined UF in the Spring of 2023. Growing up in a tiny town on the Siletz Reservation in Oregon, I was the first in my family to go to college. I studied Psychology at Western Oregon University and pursued my graduate studies at Oregon State University. During my time at Oregon State, I found my niche in the Native American Student Association, where I explored how a sense of belonging impacts student success. My master’s thesis, “Family, Community, and Tribal Influence on Native American Student Success,” stemmed from this passion. It was clear to me then that I wanted to pursue a career in student success.Prior to UF, I worked with the TRIO program in Washington state. Joining UF allowed me to deepen my connections with students, especially through the Promise program, where I find common ground with many of the students I work with. It’s incredibly rewarding to support students on their academic journeys.

Maggie is a general residential advisor with a focus on transfer students and the transition to UF. As a PROMISE advisor, she loves helping new students navigate their academic and professional journeys through UF. A proud double gator with a Bachelor’s of Science from UFCALS in Entomology and Nematology and a Master of Education in Secondary Science Education from UFCOE, Maggie found Academic Advising after almost 14 years as a local high school science teacher. Her favorite thing about advising for CLAS and PROMISE are the diverse pathways and opportunities students can take to reach their goals, and the ability to combine academic, experiential, and professional programs into a unique educational experience. She also loves nature and is always happy to share local nature-viewing advice during appointments!

In addition to advising general CLAS students, I work with students admitted through the Promise Program and with exploratory students. I graduated with my bachelor’s degree from American University in communications and foreign language media. After working for about seven years for a non-profit organization in Europe, Central America, and New York, I returned to school to get my master’s degree from the University of Florida in student personnel and higher education administration. I’ve been working for the CLAS Academic Advising Center since January 1999!

I have enjoyed serving as a Promise advisor since 2022. I have been an advisor at the University of Florida since 1997. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Brandeis University and also obtained a Master’s degree in Sports Management and a Ph.D. in Higher Education both from the University of Florida. I am passionate about collaborating with students by providing accurate and detailed information and support so students can make educated and well-informed decisions. Outside of the office, I enjoy watching sports, reading crime novels, and hanging out with my family.

I love supporting our CLAS Promise students because I get to help create an encouraging and welcoming environment as they transition into college life. For the past two years, I’ve worked behind the scenes with advisors to coordinate events and provide support resources that contribute to students’ academic success and confidence. It’s truly rewarding to see them grow and thrive during their time at UF.

I am a first-gen college graduate and current grad student studying Student Personnel in Higher Education. As an alum of a program similar to PROMISE, I want to support students in the same way I was supported. PROMISE helps open the door for students to access resources and a network that can help them be successful post-grad. I wish to continue working with these students and showing them the tools of success here at UF.