Dinecia Pierre-Louis

Education:

• BA in Adolescence French Education from SUNY at Fredonia
• MS in Student Personnel Administration from SUNY at Buffalo State College

Working at Capitol since: 2011

What first made you interested in your job/career?

I became interested in higher education as an undergraduate student. I was highly involved with different activities and organizations on campus. I was a Resident Assistant and later, an Interim Resident Director. Through the jobs and activities, I was able to interact with the students and help them to become acquainted in their environment.

Prior to Capitol College, I worked at a small program at SUNY Fredonia as an Educational Development (Opportunity) Program counselor where I worked specifically with students from the program in many college aspects such as financial aid and counseling. I also taught freshmen seminar courses and worked one-on-one with students on academic warning and probation.

At Capitol College, I am the assistant director of advising and student success. In this position, I serve as the undergraduate advisor; I coordinate the Learning Center which consists of tutoring and supplemental instruction; I meet with students on probation on a regular basis; I teach two freshmen seminar classes and I also contact students through our early alert program which is a report from professors stating when students are not doing well or haven’t attended classes.

What is your favorite part about your position?

My favorite part of my position is helping students. From my experience, I realized that students need someone to believe in them and encourage them to remain on course. Once students see and know that someone cares and is holding them accountable, it becomes easier to press on.

What is your most enjoyable project or event?

My most enjoyable project is working with students on academic probation. I like to motivate students and encourage them to reach their full potential. It is a great reward to see them succeed.

Why Capitol? What makes it different?

It’s the personal feel of Capitol College that distinguishes itself from other schools that stood out to me. I wanted to continue to work in a small environment where students are known by name, where I can make an individual impact in the lives of students.

What are some of your proudest academic and professional accomplishments?

I am in currently in the process of developing a mentoring program with the help of our Grant Writer, Artelia Covington, where the goal of the program would focus on academic support, improve self-confidence and creating a sense of belonging in a college setting. I am looking forward to the development of the program.

What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of work? What is something that students or coworkers might not know about you?

I can be competitive at times and really enjoy playing games with friends. I also enjoy reading and watching movies. Something that students or co-workers might now know about me is that I am fluent in 3 languages and I am working towards making Spanish my fourth.