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Project SUCCESS
Jefferson College
Student Center Room 217
1000 Viking Drive
Hillsboro, MO 63050
Phone: 636.481.3281
TTY users dial 711
Email: mysuccess@hotelparacaes.net
Student Center Room 219
Phone: 636.481.3282
Email: nbright@hotelparacaes.net
I’m Nathan and I serve as the Director of Project SUCCESS at Jefferson College. Like any life story, my path here has taken many unexpected turns (probably a lot like your life), but it’s all been interesting and meaningful. I grew up in Ste. Genevieve – home of strong work ethics, a lime factory, and cows. So many cows. After graduating Ste. Gen. R-II, I went straight to SEMO in Cape Girardeau for college. I went, but had no clue what to do. I bounced majors from psychology to radio, to advertising, and then communications. Looking back, I wish I would have found their Trio program to help guide me! I then graduated, clueless, and moved to Colorado to find my adventure.
Dirt poor and clueless are great for a while, but real life starts hitting fast. After a year of mountain fun I returned home to SEMO, this time working in Residence Life. It was an amazing experience where I discovered my love for helping college students. I slowly began piecing together a career that I had a passion for and even went out on a limb to get my master’s degree in public administration. I then moved to Festus and returned to Ste. Genevieve (and its cows) as an administrator at the Ste. Gen. County Community Center.
After the birth of our first daughter my wife and I made a big decision. I opted to leave my career to become a stay-at-home dad. It was an amazing experience. However rewarding it is, not working for fourteen years is a scary thing. Finally, after deciding it was time, I applied for my current job at the phenomenal Jefferson College. And I love it. Why divulge so much personal info? Because I’m guessing your life has taken odd turns like mine, and sometimes the obstacles are heartbreaking. I can certainly relate. But I wholeheartedly believe that with hard work and a helping hand, you can maneuver your way through. Furthering your education is a great place to start. We have the best team ever assembled in Project SUCCESS. We’ve been through the trenches, so let us help you navigate toward your own success story.
Student Center Room 213
Phone: 636.481.3283
Email: lmcclosk@hotelparacaes.net
Hello and welcome to Jefferson College. My name is Laura and I have worked at Jefferson College for nearly 20 years in the office of Student Support Services – Project SUCCESS. I have a Master of Arts in Communication and a number of postgraduate hours in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. My undergraduate degrees are in Psychology and Communication. In addition to my role as the Student Support Coordinator in Project SUCCESS, I have taught Public Speaking, Fundamentals of Communication, Introduction to College, and Community Exploration. I absolutely LOVED being in college and the opportunity it gave me to learn about the world, other people, and to explore interests. Like students in our program, I was a first-generation college student and spent much of my time figuring out how college worked. There were some challenging moments as I tried to find where to go for services or what questions I needed to ask. Looking back on my experience, I wish I had participated in a program like Project SUCCESS.
My goal for our students is to highlight how enriching college is and to help them navigate the path from their first day to graduation and transferring on to a four-year institution. If you are interested in learning more about Project SUCCESS and how we can ease the transition from high school, or returning after a long break, to earning a bachelor’s degree, you can reach me at lmcclosk@hotelparacaes.net.
Student Center Room 215
Phone: 636.481.3284
Email: tthoma15@hotelparacaes.net
Hi, I’m Torri! I am the Academic Skills Coordinator here in Project SUCCESS. My duties include assistance in course selections, resource knowledge, transfer assistance, financial literacy, and leading Team TRIO! I was born and raised right here in Jefferson County and attended DeSoto High School. After graduating high school, I started my journey here at Jefferson College where I earned my degree of an Associate of Applied Science in Business Management. After a couple years had passed, I continued my education and earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Studies from Missouri Baptist University. Along with that, I have recently decided to further my education through Missouri Baptist University to obtain my Master’s Degree in Higher Education Leadership.
I was actually a first-generation college student myself, but I am here to tell you- if you can dream it, you can do it! The journey of taking on a new adventure can be both exciting and frightening, but I am here to help you through the process! Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions! You can send me an email at tthoma15@hotelparacaes.net or call me at 636-481-3284. I can’t wait to see you soon!
Student Center Room 217
Phone: 636.481.3281
Email: bwallac2@hotelparacaes.net
Hi, I’m Brit Wallace. I am the Administrative Specialist for Project SUCCESS, Jefferson College’s very own TRIO Program. I was a Project SUCCESS participant during my two years at Jefferson College and had such an amazing experience that when a position opened I knew it was for me. I started my college career in my very late 20’s uncertain of where I would fit and how I would manage to become a scholar student, top-notch mom of three amazing human beings, and maintain my status as an incredible wife. That task was no easy feat but having the support of Jefferson College on my side made it feel like I could do anything. I am the first on either side of family that has even attended a 2-year college, so this was huge for me and my family! Then I graduated with honors…who me?! The girl who got her GED?! You got it!
I started working at Jefferson College as a student worker in Financial Aid because I knew I needed to get my foot in the door with employment. I was a stay-at-home mom for 10 years, that’s what I was good at, so how was I going to find out what’s in store next for me? How am I am going to grow as a person and be the loving, caring, and strong leader I want to be for my family and others? After the imposter syndrome wore off and I realized no one is paying attention to the 30-year-old mom in class, I got involved. I found there were other parents here, other first-generation students on campus, and others who were searching for something else in their life too. Being on this campus, with these students and peers, I knew Higher Education was for me. I love being a reliable resource for students, a friendly face, a welcoming office, and a voice saying “you can totally do this”.
So, I am that friendly face, the welcoming office located in the Student Center, top floor room 217 helping serve first-generation college students, students who meet the federal low-income guidelines, and students with documented disabilities achieve their academic dreams.
