Davida Stafford is the new outreach specialist for African American students at Washington State University. She will work on the west side of the state in the Tacoma/Seattle area.
She earned her master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University and her bachelor’s degree from Saginaw Valley State University. Her most recent professional experience was that of associate vice president of workforce and continuing education at Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield Ill. She also has served as AVP for professional technical education at Spokane Community College, social science division chair and minority student internship supervisor at Central Lakes College in Minnesota, and academic/admissions adviser at Jordan College in Michigan.
Stafford will be on the Pullman campus throughout the year for training as well as making critical connections to prepare for her new role.
Throughout her career in higher education, Stafford has been involved with the National Academic Advising Association, the National Association for Campus Activities, the National Council on Workforce Education, as well as a number of community-based organizations in order to assist students in making successful transitions to college. She has taught classes in college success, life and career development and has designed and developed promotional materials for various programs.
“After completing the interview process at WSU, I came away feeling like I had just left my future coworkers. There was a true sense of ‘team,’ and an interdepartmental one at that. There is so much knowledge and so many skills I will acquire from my future colleagues,” said Stafford. “Together we will accomplish great things in community outreach.”