START Advisor assists students completing bachelor's degrees

Becky McAllister, START Advisor, makes it her goal to help students determine the degree that will make the best use of the credits they already have, graduate sooner with less debt, all while working around family and employment demands. With these multiple responsibilities, students are appreciative of McAllister reminding them about deadlines for enrollment, scholarship, and financial aid.

Located in the southeast corner of the Williams Building, the START Office is home to McAllister and Kathy Peters who assists all elementary education majors transferring from WNCC to CSC. In addition to personal attention from McAllister and Peters, three computers are available for students to use.

One valuable tool in McAlister’s work is the “What if” option in CSC’s degree audit software. She studies and analyzes the search results indicating the number of credit hours a student would need to finish a CSC degree, based on the hours they have already earned.

McAllister said she enjoys listening to students’ needs and going above and beyond with creative problem solving.

“I consider the various options, work with deans, make professional judgements, and then present the student with the best solution I can find,” McAllister said.

Jenny Keener, a Human Resources generalist for training and benefits at WNCC since 2013, will graduate in December with Bachelor of Applied Science in Technical Occupations. She had an Associate of Applied Science from Front Range Community College and wanted to pursue a bachelor’s degree. McAllister spent time with Keener discussing her goals and time limitations. As a wife and mother, Keener needed to find balance.

“It was daunting and scary for me and I work in higher education. Becky was fantastic in guiding me through what classes I needed and electives I would enjoy. The schedule she helped me build allowed time for working full-time and having a family,” Keener said. “I’m very grateful for the START Office on the WNCC campus.”

Another student McAllister assisted has been the general manager for auto parts stores in Greeley and Longmont, Colorado and Cheyenne, Wyoming, the past five years. Brittany Richards will graduate in December with a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, a degree based on an individualized plan of study. She had started a degree in biology years ago at CSC, but then took a break and went to work full-time.

“Becky sat down with me, answered my questions, and has been very helpful in guiding me toward what would work best. She helped me fast-track my education. She made sure I had everything in order and didn’t miss anything this close to the finish line,” Richards said.

Cody C. Wilson, is employed as a Special Education Teacher at Scottsbluff High School on a provisional certificate while he finishes earning his education endorsement.

“Becky has helped me organize the classes I need to take and always reminds me when to sign up for classes. Anytime I would call her she would be available and help with anything I needed,” Wilson said.

Dale Condon said McAllister’s helpfulness kept his academic goals on track. He is a Psychology major with a criminal justice minor who will graduate in May 2021.

“She helped me get credits transferred. She got the signatures I needed. She’s in regular contact with these administrators and knows what is needed,” Condon said.