Hi UHPers! My name is Tabitha Dean (she/her) and I am so excited to be joining you all as the new Program Manager. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know more about the program thus far, and am very much looking forward to meeting all of you!
I am from a small city in North Carolina and spent the majority of my life in the state before moving to D.C. last August. I am a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a double major in Peace, War, and Defense and Political Science. Throughout my time in college, I worked for Carolina Housing as an office assistant, resident advisor, and a member of the leadership team for the campus’ only apartment-based residence hall. I always share with students that finding this community was so vital for my college experience, from the opportunities I was given to grow and develop, to the relationships I built with my residents and co-workers. This is what excites me the most about joining the UHP – being there while each of you find your people, develop your academic, personal, and professional goals, and most of all, cheering you on as a member of your community and support team!
After graduating from college and nixing my original plans to pursue a career with the federal government, I found myself wanting to continue in a role that actively supports students along their educational paths. I served as a college adviser within a North Carolina high school for two years, assisting seniors with the application process, financial aid, and most importantly, having dialogues with students regarding their collegiate goals. After finishing my time with college advising, I transitioned into an official higher education role with Johns Hopkins University, assisting graduate students with their administrative needs (mainly, financial aid, student accounts, and registration). Ultimately, I found that I was missing the connections I was able to develop with students while advising, which led me here to be with you!
I hope to be a resource and offer you a space of comfort whenever you find it needed. I look forward to sharing the knowledge I obtain and learning what is important to you. Please feel free to reach out to me via email at tabitha.dean@gwu.edu if there’s ever a time you’re looking for support – best of luck with your studies!
