Perez hired as new academic adviser within Division of Student Life

GREENVILLE, Pa.-- Thiel College announces Angelica Perez has been appointed to a new academic adviser position within the Division of Student Life, effective immediately.

Perez will advise first-year students majoring in business or criminal justice, students enrolled in the College’s new Associate to Bachelor’s Program, and students engaged in the exploratory program. In addition to assisting with course scheduling and success planning, Perez will focus much of her attention on helping students fully engage in campus life. One of her goals is to help students better navigate the academic and social transition from high school to college, and encourage them to take full advantage of the resources Thiel has to offer.

The Associate to Bachelor’s Program starts students on a two-year track to earning an associate degree. Once complete, students have the option of continuing on to graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Thiel College.

“I am thrilled to welcome Angelica to the Student Life team,” Vice President of Student Life Michael McKinney ’02 said. “We know the transition to college can be very difficult for many students. This position was created to provide many of our first-year students with more individualized attention and support throughout that challenging time. I am confident that they will be in good hands knowing Angelica’s background in counseling and higher education, and because of her dedication to helping students be successful.”

Perez received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in political science from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in 2011, as well as a master’s degree in counseling in 2014. She earned post-master’s certification in human resource management from Villanova University in 2015. In the past, Perez has served as an addictions counselor and treatment team coordinator. She was recently employed as a student success coach at Clarion University of Pennsylvania.

The creation of the position underscores Thiel College’s commitment to student success, a value emphasized by President Susan Traverso, Ph.D. She takes office as the 20th president of the College on Aug. 1. Traverso has made it clear that positive outcomes for students are one of her top priorities.

Traverso was the provost and senior vice president at Elizabethtown College (Elizabethtown, Pa.). Traverso’s student-centered strategies there included creating an Office of Sponsored Research and Programs, developing the School of Continuing and Professional Studies, and establishing the Center for Community and Civic Engagement. She also coordinated $60 million in campus improvements and advanced fundraising priorities that resulted in external funding of $20 million.