DEVAN G.

LALAS
1359 Beacon Street #5
Brookline, MA 02446
(704) 578-1059
dglalas2@gmail.com

EDUCATION
2015 - 2017 WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY Cullowhee, NC
Masters of Education in Higher Education Student Affairs

2010 - 2014 WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY Cullowhee, NC

Bachelor of Science in Sociology
Minors in Management & Leadership

HIGHER EDUCATION WORK EXPERIENCE

2017 - Present CENTER FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS AND ENRICHMENT (CASE) Boston, MA
Mass. College of Pharmacy and Health Science University (MCPHS University) May 2017 - Present
Assistant Director for Student Success

● Facilitated one-on-one success coaching of a caseload of students who are experiencing academic
challenges
● Worked closely with students who are on academic probation to help them develop individualized
academic improvement plans and other learning assistance strategies tailored to fit their needs
● Coordinated the Peer Mentor program including all hiring, training, processing payroll, and the
development of new and returning peer mentors with the support of the Student Success Coaches.
● Planned and delivered student success workshops covering a range of topics to assist students with
academic and self-regulatory skill building
● Coordinated student success themed workshop series which offered 100+ student and professional
led workshops each Fall semester
● Collaborated with program faculty, and other campus partners on the development of workshops
and other programs to support student learning and success
● Maintained detailed records of the academic improvement and learning activities of students
through specified data tracking systems
● Supported the university-wide academic standing process by participating on Academic Standing
Committees
● Instructed ITM 101 (​Introduction To the Major​) transition course
● Assisted in training and development of graduate assistants
● Assisted in data-collection initiatives and program evaluation activities
● Assisted in developing and documenting processes and procedures

2016 - 2017 MENTORING AND PERSISTENCE TO SUCCESS (MAPS) Cullowhee, NC

Western Carolina University August 2016 - May 2017
Graduate Assistant/Academic Coach

● Facilitated one-on-one academic coaching sessions ​to identify needs and build skills around
planning, prioritization, goal-setting, time management, study and test-taking habits for students
enrolled in MAPS’ Compass program and Founders Scholarship program (first-generation,
low-income, independent students)
● Worked closely with students who are on academic probation to help them develop individualized
academic improvement plans
● Developed and implement workshop series designed to support first generation students
● Assisted with recruitment and planning of Summer Learning Communities (SLCs)
Summer 2016 OFFICE OF FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE (FYE) Cullowhee, NC
Western Carolina University June - July 2016
Instructor of Record

● Instructed USI 130 (University Studies) course

● Planned and led learning community field trip

Spring 2016 WRITING AND LEARNING COMMONS (WaLC) Cullowhee, NC

Western Carolina University January 2016 - May 2016
Graduate Intern

● Conducted a validation study of a growth mindset scale

● Developed and implemented growth mindset initiatives for the WaLC associates and clients
● Assisted the development, implementation, and evaluation of Peer Academic Leaders (PALs)
program

2015 - 2016 OFFICE OF THE PROVOST / OFFICE OF FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE (FYE) Cullowhee, NC
Western Carolina University August 2015 - May 2016
Graduate Research Assistant

● Collaborated on projects with senior level administration

● Served on various campus committees (SACS-COC Reaffirmation Committee, Student Learning
Outcomes Assessment Committee, Quality Enhancement Plan Development Committee, Campus
Theme Committee)
● Conducted research and analysis around undergraduate research initiatives
● Assisted the development, and implementation of Peer Academic Leaders (PALs) program
● Facilitated FYE welcome programs and outreach events
● Monitored enrollment management/registration for Summer Learning Communities (SLCs)
● Collaborated with the development of “all summer faculty/staff FYE meeting”
● Instituted FYE’s initiatives for first generation students

2014 - 2015 UNC GENERAL ADMINISTRATION (UNC-GA) Chapel Hill, NC

University of North Carolina July 2014 - July 2015
Presidential Intern

● Managed North Carolina’s College Application Week (CAW) communication and participation
strategies for UNC, CNFC.org, private colleges, and all NC high schools
● Developed and implementation of the annual UNC Social Entrepreneurship Conference
● Scripted and managed $34,600 public radio underwriting advertisements for UNC Online
● Researched all 50 U.S. states’ comparatives to UNC’s Association of Student Governments and
produced a ​report on current practices​ and recommended best practices for ASG
● Collaborated with Vice President of Research and BOG working group to review all UNC system
centers and institutes, produced ​system-wide report​.
● Staffed Advancement Council meetings and provided administrative support as needed
● Organized UNC system police department requests for vehicle replacements
● Coordinated UNC system registration efforts for ETS workshops on performance based metrics
● Drafted and reviewed various BOG resolutions and policy
● Distributed weekly “UNC in the News” email-blast to all senior level UNC system administrators
● Collaborated with Vice President of Academic Planning and Assessment to produce system-wide
report on low productivity programs
● Assisted in screening applications for the Marian Drane Graham Scholars program
● Completed administrative and clerical daily operations in President’s Office
● Organized Board of Governors (BOG) members and meetings
 ● Worked directly with Chief of Staff to update and maintain “​strategic directions​” document
● Staffed various BOG committees

Spring 2014 ENROLLMENT SERVICES / STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES Sylva, NC

Southwestern Community College January 2014 - May 2014
Intern

● Conducted Career and College Pathways seminars at local high schools

● Attended senior level administration meetings
● Attended Student Success Committee meetings
● Shadowed Dean of Student Services

2011 - 2014 OFFICE OF FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE (FYE) Cullowhee, NC

Western Carolina University
Peer Mentor Coordinator, Academic Success Program August 2013 - May 2014
Peer Mentor, Academic Success Program (2011-2013) August 2011 - May 2013

● Led hiring and training of 18 Peer Mentors

● Created and updated hiring documents
● Directly supervise 16 Peer Mentors, whom were each responsible for mentoring ~10 first-year
students
● Facilitated bi-weekly staff meetings
● Conducted 1:1 performance evaluations with Peer Mentors each semester
● Contacted and establish positive relationships with students identified as “at-risk”

CAMPUS AND COMMITTEE INVOLVEMENT

Summer 2017 Academic Standing Committee, School of Arts and Sciences, MCPHS University
CASE Representative
Spring 2016 QEP Subcommittee, Degree Plus - Student Engagement Subcommittee, Western Carolina University
Committee Member
Fall 2016 Kenya Study Abroad Trip, HESA Program, Western Carolina University
Student/Study Abroad Facilitator
Fall 2016 Office of Student Transition, Africa Theme Panel, Western Carolina University
Panelist
Fall 2016 College of Education and Allied Professions (CEAP) Advancement Council, Western Carolina University
Meeting Invitee - Represented HESA program
Fall 2016 Mentoring and Persistence to Success, Difference Education Panel, Western Carolina University
Panel Moderator
Fall 2016 Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) Development Committee, Western Carolina University
Committee Member
Fall 2016 QEP Sub-Committee: Evidence Committee, Western Carolina University
Committee Member
Fall 2016 Africa: More than a Continent - Campus Theme Committee, Western Carolina University
Committee Member
Spring 2016 SACS-COC Reaffirmation Committee, Western Carolina University
Committee Member
Spring 2016 Student Learning Outcomes Assessment Committee, Western Carolina University
Committee Member
Spring 2016 Africa: More than a Continent - Campus Theme Committee, Western Carolina University
Committee Member
Spring 2016 Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) Development Committee, Western Carolina University
Committee Member
Fall 2015 Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) Development Committee, Western Carolina University
Committee Member
Fall 2015 Student Learning Outcomes Assessment Committee, Western Carolina University
Committee Member
Spring 2015 Anthropology and Sociology External Review, Western Carolina University
Program Alumni Representative
Spring 2015 Student Success Summit Development Committee, UNC General Administration
Committee Member
Spring 2015 Low Productivity Review Committee, UNC General Administration
Committee Member
Spring 2014 Student Success Committee, Southwestern Community College
Committee Invitee
Fall 2010 Academic Success Program External Review, Western Carolina University
Student

SELECTED RESEARCH AND PRESENTATIONS

DeHeart, J., Boyer, B., ​Lalas​, D.G., Wright, T. (2017, October). A practitioner's toolbox: Guiding principles that inspire and
support success for marginalized students. Presented at NACADA 2017 Annual Conference, St. Louis,
MO.

Lalas​, D.G. (2016, April). Are they really at-risk? Using noncognitive factors to predict academic success. Paper/Poster
presented at HESA Research Symposium of Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC.

Lalas​, D.G., Brennan, K.M., (2016, April). Actual and perceived academic performance: Do campus mental health services
make a difference for students with a mental illness diagnosis. Paper presented at Southern Sociological
Society Annual Meeting, Atlanta, GA.

Bleich, R., ​Lalas​, D.G. (2015, April) ​If you don’t define success, it will gladly define you​. Presented at Western Carolina
University, Cullowhee, NC. pg. 4

Lalas​, D.G., Thompson, D., Shell, S. (2015, April). ​Student representation within university system governing boards​.
Report presented at UNC Association of Student Government Executive Officers Meeting. Chapel Hill:
University of North Carolina General Administration

Lalas​, D.G. (2014, March). Is organizational culture an effective predictor of organizational performance? Paper/Poster
presented at the Undergraduate Research Expo of Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC.

Lalas​, D.G. (2012, October) Are you a mean girl? Presented at the South Atlantic Affiliate of Colleges and Universities
Residence Halls at East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN.

Lalas​, D.G. (2012, February) ​The privilege “moonwalk”​. Presented at the North Carolina Association of Residence Halls,
University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Wilmington, NC. pg. 19

Lalas​, D.G., Sigmon, E.G. (2011, February) The privilege walk. Presented at the North Carolina Association of Residence
Halls, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA.

ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

Spring 2016 STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION, WCU Cullowhee, NC

Senator January 2016 - May 2016

2015 - 2016 THE PLACEMENT EXCHANGE (TPE) Cullowhee, NC

TPE Campus Ambassador August 2016 - May 2016

2014 - Present RAFIKI KENYAN IMPORTS, LLC USA & Kenya

Co-Owner & Director of Marketing February 2014 - Present
2013 - 2017 PHI SIGMA PI NATIONAL CO-ED HONORS FRATERNITY, WCU Cullowhee, NC
Alumni Advisor August 2015 - Present
Parliamentarian January 2014 - May 2014
Service Committee Head August 2013 - May 2014
Brother February 2013 - May 2014

2012 - 2014 NORTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF RESIDENCE HALLS Various, NC

Associate Director of Media Marketing February 2012 - February 2014

2011 - 2014 NATIONAL RESIDENCE HALL HONORARY, WCU Cullowhee, NC

Vice President of Leadership (2013-2014) August 2013 - May 2014
Finance and Administration Chair (2012-2013) August 2012 - May 2013
Member (2011-2014) February 2011 - May 2012

2010 - 2014 RESIDENT STUDENT ASSOCIATION, WCU Cullowhee, NC

Vice President of Administration and Finance January 2011 - May 2013
Scott Residence Hall Residence Hall Council Representative September 2010 - December 2010

FEATURED MEDIA ARTICLES

Spring 2016 Academic Affairs Newsletter​, Western Carolina University

Fall 2015 HESA Program Newsletter​, Western Carolina University
Spring 2015 Career Journal​, Western Carolina University
Spring 2015 College of Business Newsletter​, Western Carolina University
Spring 2014 Book Acknowledgement, pg. viii
Talley, H. L. (2014). ​Saving Face: Disfigurement and the politics of appearance​. NYU Press.

AWARDS AND ACCOLADES

Spring 2017 WCU Advocate Awards Finalist Cullowhee, NC
Spring 2017 NPGS Knowledge Community NASPA Conference Consortium Participant San Antonio, TX
Fall 2016 3MT - Top 4 Finalist (3 Minute Thesis Competition) Cullowhee, NC
Spring 2016 SGA Senator of the Year Cullowhee, NC
Spring 2014 Dean’s Outstanding Scholar Award Cullowhee, NC
Spring 2014 NCARH Distinguished Service Award – NCARH 2014 Boone, NC
Spring 2014 NCARH 4 Year Service Award – NCARH 2014 Boone, NC
Spring 2014 NCARH State Board of Director Recognition Pin Recipient X2 Boone, NC
Fall 2013 WCU Dean’s List Cullowhee, NC
Spring 2013 NACURH Bronze Pin Recipient Cullowhee, NC
Fall 2012 Top 20 Program Presentation – SAACURH 2012 Johnson City, TN
Spring 2012 WCU Dean’s List Cullowhee, NC
Spring 2012 Alpha Kappa Delta Sociology Honors Society Cullowhee, NC
Spring 2012 Top 8 Program Presentation – NCARH 2012 Wilmington, NC
Fall 2011 Top 20 Program Presentation – SAACURH 2011 Atlanta, GA
Spring 2011 Starfish Award – NCARH 2011 Chapel Hill, NC

TRAININGS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Spring 2016 Appreciative Advising Training Webinar Online
Fall 2015 Safe Zone Certification (​Western Carolina University​) Cullowhee, NC
Spring 2014 CITI IRB Training Cullowhee, NC

CONFERENCES ATTENDED
Fall 2017 NACADA 2017 St. Louis, MO
Annual Conference

Spring 2017 NASPA 2017 San Antonio, TX

Annual Conference
Spring 2016 Southern Sociological Society Atlanta, GA
Annual Meeting
Spring 2015 UNC Social Entrepreneurship Conference Greensboro, NC
N.C. A&T State University
Spring 2015 Student Success Summit Chapel Hill, NC
UNC General Administration
Spring 2014 North Carolina Association of Residence Halls Boone, NC
Appalachian State University
Annual Conference
Fall 2013 South Atlantic Affiliate of College and Universities Residence Halls Greenville, NC
East Carolina University
Annual Conference
Fall 2013 North Carolina Association of Residence Halls Raleigh, NC
North Carolina State University
Business Meeting - Fall Summit
Summer 2013 North Carolina Association of Residence Halls Chapel Hill, NC
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Business Meeting - Summer Summit
Spring 2013 North Carolina Association of Residence Halls Charlotte, NC
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Annual Conference
Fall 2012 South Atlantic Affiliate of College and Universities Residence Halls Johnson City, TN
East Tennessee State University
Annual Conference
Fall 2012 North Carolina Association of Residence Halls High Point, NC
High Point University
Business Meeting - Fall Summit
Summer 2012 North Carolina Association of Residence Halls Greensboro, NC
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Business Meeting - Summer Summit
Spring 2012 South Atlantic Affiliate of College and Universities Residence Halls Valdosta, GA
Valdosta State University
Business Meeting - No Frills
Spring 2012 North Carolina Association of Residence Halls Wilmington, NC
The University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Annual Conference
Fall 2011 South Atlantic Affiliate of College and Universities Residence Halls Atlanta, GA
Georgia State University
Annual Conference
Spring 2011 North Carolina Association of Residence Halls Chapel Hill, NC
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Annual Conference

REFERENCES

April Perry, Ph.D. (828) 227-3283

Program Director & Assistant Professor alperry@email.wcu.edu
M.Ed. Higher Education Student Affairs program
Western Carolina University
Janina DeHart, M.Ed. (828) 227-3895
Assistant Director jdehart@email.wcu.edu
Mentoring and Persistence to Success (MAPS)
Western Carolina University

Katharine Stewart, Ph.D. (919) 513-7741

Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs kestewa4@ncsu.edu
Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor & Provost
North Carolina State University

Glenda Hensley, M.A. (828) 227-3017

Director ghensley@email.wcu.edu
Office of Student Transitions
Western Carolina University

Michael Cherry, M.A. (662) 915-6246

Area Coordinator mdcherry@olemiss.edu
Department of Student Housing
University of Mississippi

Thomas W. Ross, J.D. (646) 343-0155

UNC President Emeritus tross@volckeralliance.org
President
Volcker Alliance, Inc.