| |
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, Tawan never dreamed of becoming a college completion 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 the national college graduation rate is a huge problem. In fact, according to recent statistics the national graduation rate average is only about 57%. This number dramatically changes when you take into account other factors such as ethnicity, geographical region, family income, and the type of institution.
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creator of the Connect-5 College Completion Program, he’s learned: Traditional retention models in higher education are outdated and ineffective.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 place: graduation!
In addition to his Connect-5 College Completion program, Tawan’s workshops, talks, and product focus on student leadership and diversity. Tawan's mission is to help students get connected, stay connected, and graduate from college by providing solution based workshops, keynotes, and products that promises results long after he departs your school !
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 and Next Step magazine
- Author of more than 6 books including the award-winning college guide “College Sense: What College and High School Advisors Don’t Tell You about College”
- 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
- Named one of the fabulous 50 alumni at Prince George’s Community College during its bi-centennial celebration
- Former Greek Advisor
- First Year Experience Seminar Instructor
- Frequent guest on national radio and television interviews
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Very, Very entertaining! It was so much fun and there wasn't a dull moment!
-Alix Sanchez, Cal State San Marcos
|
|
|
| |
|
