Tawan Perry

Tawan Perry is the creator of the comprehensive Connect-5 College Completion Program.  As both a former student leader and college administrator, no one understands the college student experience like Tawan Perry. After barely graduating high school, failing the math and English placement tests multiple times and clawing his way out of developmental courses in college, Tawan never dreamed of becoming a college success expert. But with more than a little hard work and perseverance; he succeeded.

Now as a graduate of three distinctly different institutions, a former student leader and a former college administrator, Tawan realizes that college retention is a huge problem. As the creator of the Connect-5 College Completion Program, he’s learned: Traditional retention models in higher education are outdated and ineffective. Today’s college student requires co-curricular attention and assistance each year in order to be successful. These students are accustomed to being directly mentored, so why let go now? They need unconditional support for every college year. After all, student development is about developing the student each year.

In realizing this, Tawan has created the Connect-5 College Completion program, a series of programs that addresses the needs of all four years including the pre-college years. In order for students to find success, we must all walk together every year. We all may come from different places and be at different stages, but we are all trying to reach the same destination: graduation! Tawan has helped thousands of students all over the country get connected, stay connected, and graduate from college! Tawan uses the Connect-5 College Completion program to help guide students step by step from college prep to cap and gown.

Tawan’s Connection:

• Former Assistant Dean of Students
• Former Student Government Association Vice President and Student Commissioner for the Maryland Higher Education Commission (state governor appointment), while at Morgan State
• Contributing writer for the APCA Student Activities Journal, Leadership in Student Activities, Next Step magazine, and Campustalkblog.com
• Author of the award-winning college guide “College Sense: What College and High School Advisors Don’t Tell You about College”
• Former Greek Advisor
• Former Residence Life Professional
  
• First Year Experience Seminar Instructor
  
• Associate degree from Prince George’s Community College
• Bachelor’s degree from Morgan State University
• Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from UMASS Amherst

Student leaders participating in one of Tawan's leadership programs.