Cathia is the Director of TRIO Student Support Services Program (SSS), a federal program for students from low-income, first-generation backgrounds. In this role she coordinates the daily operations and budget management of the program with the Assistant Director, the Program Instructor and Advisor, and the Program Administrative Assistant. In addition, Cathia teaches the College Success Course for SSS freshmen, advises and counsels students, and serves as a personal advocate and resource person for all SSS students. Every year Cathia coordinates the annual Performance Report to the federal Department of Education and every five years she coordinates the writing and submission of the Department of Education Grant Proposal for continued funding. Cathia actually began her career with Student Support Services as a graduate intern. An Appalachian alum, Cathia received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 1983, and her Master of Arts in Human Development and Psychological Counseling with an emphasis in Student Development in 1986.
Cathia was born in Athens, Georgia and grew up in Augusta. She moved to Boone as a college freshman and has been a resident of Watauga County following the completion of her graduate degree. She credits her longtime friend and mentor, Cindy Wallace, former Director of Student Support Services and Vice Chancellor of Student Development, for the counselor and professional she is today. Cathia believes she has the best job in the world because of the amazing young people she works with every day. They are beautiful in their diversity and amazing in their strength and this is what continues to motivate her every day. Outside of work, she enjoys camping, running, and swimming. She also loves volunteering at church and in the community, and most of all, spending time with her husband Tim and their daughter Julianna.
Title: TRIO Student Support Services Director
Email address: Email me
Phone: (828) 262-3046