Office of Student Success

One of the qualities that defines a dedicated institution of higher education is the ability to seek out opportunities to support students throughout their collegiate journey. In 2018, Albright College was awarded a five year, multi-million dollar federal grant that reinforces the College’s institutional priority of supporting the success, degree completion, lives and careers of Albright’s 21st century students. This award, a Title III grant, is another way that Albright College has invested in programming and services focused on elevating students’ experiences on campus to new heights.

Broadly speaking, the very competitive Title III Strengthening Institutions Program enables eligible institutions of higher education to expand their capacity to serve students by providing funds to enhance student service programs, including the development of innovative, customized courses and instruction methods as well as student-centered efforts to enhance course-completion, retention and timely graduation.

Specifically, Albright College invested in six staff members, who now constitute the Office of Student Success, the largest initiative of the Title III grant. This new office provides services to both Albright’s students and Albright’s faculty and administration. Some of these services include additional programs for student advising and work with faculty on academic course re-designs. Specific efforts are directed at enhancing the guidance of students in a wide range of areas, including financial aid literacy, navigating college support services, exploring academic and career avenues, and various other issues students might encounter as they make the transition from high school graduate to first year college student. All these student support services are designed to improve academic success as well as help in the retention of students throughout the entirety of their undergraduate career.

Title III funding has also supported Albright in the implementation of the Lion’s Edge, our new academic advising system. This comprehensive student retention platform is designed to enhance the relationship between students and their advisors in articulating an academic pathway to success.

On a personal note, I am over the moon to have been asked to serve Albright College in the position of Title III Activities Director. My path to this position as well as the completion of my doctoral degree was circuitous and not without its share of personal and financial roadblocks, just like many of today’s incoming college students. My dedication to what higher education can contribute to not only a person’s future, but the future of the community at large, fuels my desire to be of service. I look forward to seeing the students when they first arrive on campus and when they leave, diploma in hand.

Dr. Verno is very pleased to start his new position as the Title III Activities Director at Albright College. He recently concluded his doctoral degree at Immaculata University in 2019, successfully defending his dissertation on the topic of Student Validation Theory. During the last decade, Michael has experienced higher education from a variety of perspectives, serving as an English Instructor at Harrisburg Area Community College, working within higher education administration in Immaculata University’s Academic Assessment Office and College of Graduate Studies, conducting research for the Pennsylvania Department of Education and other education-centered entities, and being a student in the classroom. These experiences worked in concert to highlight the importance of collaboration across university strata as well as provided fantastic opportunities to better consider the needs and viewpoints of all those involved in creating an effective institution dedicated to serving students. On a personal note, Michael is an avid lover of film and literature and is always ready to discuss these topics. He is delighted to meet and work with the Albright College student body

Laura DePue, MTS, MLIS, Director of Teaching and Learning

Laura DePue joined Albright College as the Director of Teaching and Learning in July of 2019. Previously, she worked as an Instructional Designer at Arizona State University, Miami University of Ohio, and Ohio University. She also has worked as a Coordinator of Campus Ministry and a full-time faculty member, teaching courses in religious studies, general humanities, and college success. She currently holds a Master of Theological Studies from The Methodist Theological School in Ohio and a Master of Library and Information Science from Kent State University. Additionally, she is working towards the completion of a doctorate degree in Educational Studies. Her professional and research interests include diversity and inclusion, service-learning, experiential learning, gamification, and religion and culture. Her personal interests include music, art, writing, films, and spending time in nature and with animals. Born and raised in Ohio, she lived in Arizona before moving to Pennsylvania and currently lives in Reading, PA with her spouse, Mike, their 2 dogs, Kashi and Maya, their cat, Louie, and their corn snake named Snack.

Dereka Bauscher, MA

Dereka Bauscher is excited to work in the Title III department at Albright College as a Student Success Specialist. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree from Lehigh University in Studio Art. From there, Dereka moved down south to Louisiana to attend graduate school at Northwestern State University of Louisiana, where she earned her Master’s Degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education. She worked briefly at the BCIU in the fields of Career Readiness and STEM before making the move to Alvernia University to work at a Title III Navigator.

Outside of the office, Dereka enjoys her life in the fast lane as a previous racecar driver! She also enjoys reading, and her favorite book is The Giver. As an avid coffee drinker, she also is a massive fan of Harry Potter Series (a proud member of Slytherin House) and everything involving giraffes!

Dereka currently lives in Hamburg, PA, with her husband, Kasea. She enjoys traveling, learning new things, working with numbers, and is a proud First-Generation College Grad.

Lisa Blount, MPA Student Success Specialist

Lisa Blount is a native of Reading and is excited to join Albright College as a Student Success Specialist. She has a background in Career Services, Enrollment Management and Multicultural Recruitment. Lisa graduated from Immaculata University with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a Certificate of Art.

She also earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Cheyney University of Pennsylvania and a certificate in Career Coaching from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).  Lisa is looking forward to building relationships among the students, and connecting with staff and faculty. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, playing Pickleball, traveling, and visiting African-American art galleries, and she’s passionate about spending time with her daughters, grandson, family, and friends.

Jason Deitz, MBA, Student Success Specialist

Jason’s 15 year history in higher education includes admissions, marketing and recruitment, student success retention efforts, and financial aid literacy, counseling, planning, and support. Jason graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Communications and went on to earn a Master’s of Business Administration from Alvernia University. His experience working in small private school settings has provided the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with students and parents, while providing a successful, quality environment promoting informed educational and financial decisions. Jason looks forward to continuing his goal to help each student earn the degree of their choosing here at Albright College – his door is always open! Jason is an avid sports fan and loves to spend time with his family and at the beach.

Dominique Washington, M.S., Student Success Specialist

Dominique is originally from North Philadelphia. He attended East Stroudsburg University, receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and a Master’s Degree in Management and Leadership, with a concentration in Sport Management. During the completion of his Master’s program, he was afforded the opportunity to work in the Department of Academic Enrichment and Learning, providing mentorship opportunities and engagements for diverse student populations. Recognizing his passion for higher education, Dominique accepted a position as an Academic Success Coach at East Stroudsburg, providing proactive interventions, leadership, and support that fostered student persistence and retention. Dominique has published three books of poetry, is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, and broadcasts a bi-monthly podcast. He is looking forward to positive interactions with the student body and playing an integral role in their journey to become successful Albright Alumni.

One-on-One Consultations
Click here to learn more about one-on-one consultations, including how to schedule an appointment with one of our Student Success Specialists.

Success Workshops & Seminars
Click here for a list of our upcoming Success Workshops and Seminars. You can also find resources from past workshops, such as PowerPoints, handouts, and other files.

Alpha Program for Undeclared Students
Click here to learn more the Alpha Program for undeclared students.

Academic Exploration
Click here to learn more about our services for academic exploration.

College Financial Planning & Literacy
Click here to learn more about our financial planning and literacy services.

Suggested Resources for High-Impact Practices

Albright College Teaching & Learning Resources

Event Calendar