Professional Summary

Professional Overview

Katherine Powers is the Director of the Graduate Studies Office at California State University, Fullerton. With a strong background in academic administration and a deep understanding of graduate-level education, she leads a team dedicated to supporting students throughout their academic journeys.

Experience Summary

Current Role

As the Director of the Graduate Studies Office, Katherine is responsible for overseeing all aspects of graduate programs at the university. She collaborates closely with department heads, faculty, and administrative staff to ensure efficient and effective graduate student enrollment, retention, and success. Under her leadership, the Graduate Studies Office has implemented several innovative initiatives that have significantly improved the overall graduate student experience.

Career Progression

Prior to her current role, Katherine served as the Assistant Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities at the same institution, where she played a key role in developing and implementing strategic plans for graduate program expansion and enhancement. Her early career included positions in student affairs and academic advising, where she honed her skills in educational program management and student support.

Academic Background

Katherine holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Southern California, where her research focused on graduate student mentorship and professional development. She also earned a Master's degree in Educational Counseling from California State University, Fullerton, and a Bachelor's degree in English Literature from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Areas of Expertise

• Graduate program administration and management

• Student services and support for graduate-level learners

• Educational policy and strategic planning

• Curriculum development and program assessment

• Collaboration with faculty and academic departments

Professional Impact

Under Katherine's leadership, the Graduate Studies Office has achieved significant improvements in graduate student enrollment, retention, and satisfaction. She has spearheaded the implementation of a comprehensive professional development program for graduate students, which has been widely recognized by both students and faculty. Additionally, Katherine has played a key role in securing external funding for several graduate-level research and community engagement initiatives.

Conclusion

With her extensive experience in academic administration, strong leadership skills, and deep commitment to graduate student success, Katherine Powers is poised to continue driving positive change and innovation within the Graduate Studies Office at California State University, Fullerton.