McAllister joins staff as START adviser based in Scottsbluff

In her role, McAllister will utilize her years of experience in post-secondary education to assist Scottsbluff area students with a broader range of features than in the past, including academic and career advising, credit evaluations, financial aid and enrollment.

“The new START position will offer more personalized service for students. I can help them with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and with loan counseling. It’s hard enough for financial aid staff to keep up with the federal changes, let alone expect a student to do that,” McAllister said. “I can help students find forms online, fill them out, explore academic options and build their class schedules.”

Kathy Peters will continue to advise education majors at WNCC, while McAllister will serve as academic adviser for all other majors.

“Being a former CSC student and graduate gives me experience. I have a strong desire to help others succeed in their educational goals, whatever it takes to make that happen. I know what it’s like to attend college full-time in my 30s. I’ll be able to encourage students by telling them I did it and they can too. I think students will appreciate the new services,” she said.

McAllister earned her associate degree in education from WNCC in May 2006. She enrolled at CSC that fall and earned a business degree and a secondary business education endorsement, finishing in 2009. After graduation, she worked in the Eastern Wyoming College financial aid office before accepting the START position.

McAllister first realized her future was in higher education while working at Aurora Loan Services in Scottsbluff a number of years ago. As she helped train new employees, she knew she’d found her niche.

“I decided that was something I wanted to pursue. I knew education was where I wanted to be. I felt fulfilled when I was helping others learn how to do their jobs better,” she said.

She anticipates strengthening the CSC program in Scottsbluff and developing relationships with students.

“I can explain our online options and affordability when helping students with their educational planning. Other four-year options seem quite expensive to me and they don’t all have our same level of credibility. CSC’s degree programs fit with the job needs in the rural areas of the Panhandle,” McAllister said.

Sherry Douglas, senior director of student services, said McAllister is excited for this opportunity to assist students interested in attending CSC.

“This position is like having your own personal CSC assistant through your college experience through graduation. We hope students will take advantage of the luxury of meeting one-on-one with a CSC representative rather than using email, traveling to campus, or calling,” Douglas said.

McAllister can be reached at 308-635-6007, bmcallister@csc.edu or in the Williams Multicultural Building at WNCC, south entrance under the CSC sign.