The Student Housing Matters blog explores ideas with leaders in higher education and the student housing profession. This is the place to find stories from those who have worked in the field for many years, podcast interviews, and videos about relevant topics in the student housing world.
It’s about matters relating to on-campus student housing, as well as why quality on-campus student housing really matters. We want this blog to serve as a forum for sharing ideas and insights about how your on-campus student housing can do things beyond simply housing students. How it can be used as a more powerful tool to recruit and retain students on your campus. We look forward to you joining us in the conversation.
Build Lasting Influence with Infrastructure – with Tricia Wells
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“Build the bridge as you walk across it. Just find something and try it out and define it. And then over time, it becomes the normal that everybody’s used to—an efficiently run process.”
In her ten-year career with COCM, Tricia Wells played a major role in developing the infrastructure we use today, creating several of the programs, initiatives and systems that make our jobs easier. Because she was willing to raise her hand when a need came up, Tricia left a lasting impression, and her influence lives on at Capstone.
Today, Tricia is the Assistant Vice Provost for Administration and Finance in the Division of Professional Studies at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. Prior to joining UMBC in 2014, she rose through the ranks at COCM, taking on roles as General Manager, Regional Manager, and eventually Regional Vice President for the organization.
On this episode of Student Housing Matters, Tricia joins guest host Tara Wilkinson to discuss the instant connection she felt when she joined the team at COCM, explaining how the organization aligned with her professional values and career goals. She describes how the understanding of financial systems she learned at Capstone serves her in her current role and why relationships are key to success in higher education. Listen in for Tricia’s insight on transitioning from a private company to a public institution and learn how she helped design several of the programs and initiatives that define COCM’s current infrastructure.
Topics Covered
Tricia’s instant connection with COCM’s executive leadership
How COCM aligned with Tricia’s professional values + career goals
How Tricia’s responsibilities grew in her 10 years with Capstone
Tricia’s willingness to jump in and assist wherever the gap was
Transforming a troubled site into a place students want to live
Tricia’s involvement in creating the current infrastructure at COCM
How understanding financial systems serves Tricia in her new role
Tricia’s advice on transitioning from COCM to a public institution
Articulate alignment of values
Recognize difference in flexibility
Build professional network
Why Tricia credits her success in higher ed to relationships
