The College Advising Center (CAC) welcomed two new advisors this semester. CAC is available throughout the semester to help students prepare for registration and add/drop periods, but also works with students to build longer-term four-year plans.
Nikki Yeomans is a LC alumn, who graduated with a BA in 2015. After graduating, she worked for an online program matching students to master’s level programs and a program that works with underserved students called College Possible. From there, she returned to LC for graduate school and studied in the counseling program. Yeoman knew that working with K-12 students was not for her, so she did some online work as an academic advisor for higher education.
After the pandemic ended, she knew she wanted to get back on campus.
“I missed having that kind of real, in-person connection with students,” Yeoman said.
When Yeoman saw a position was open at the College Advising Center, she was excited to return back to LC.
“I knew how amazing the culture here was and how supportive the faculty and staff were. It was definitely my first choice in my job search,” Yeoman said.
Yeoman also emphasizes that she is not just here for students in terms of academic guidance, but is also a support emotionally as students adjust to college.
“When students are struggling with, really anything, we can be a great person to come to first,” Yeoman said.
She wants to be a resource for any student and is a great point of reference to be connected with all the many resources available to students on campus. Yeoman is excited to start working with students and to begin delving into the problem-solving aspect of her job.
“Working with Lewis & Clark, some of the main differences from where I’d been at before is everybody here really seems to be very directed in knowing what they want to do,” said Yeoman. “That makes my job easier, and in some ways, a little bit more challenging.”
This year’s other new hire is Bailey Cooper. She is originally from Indiana, where she got her undergraduate degree in graphic design and fine arts at Indiana State University. After earning her bachelor’s, she decided to pivot career-wise and stayed at Indiana State to pursue a Master’s of Science in Student Affairs and Higher Education. Enjoying her new career path, Cooper moved to Oregon three years ago to work at The Oregon Institute of Technology — overseeing student leadership, government, organizations, and community service.
Like Yeoman, she also aspires to be someone from whom students can get support both in academic planning and in struggles, especially when it comes to transitioning to college life.
“I’m here to talk. I’m happy to be someone to lean on when you’re stressed out,” Cooper said.
Cooper is happy to be a part of the LC community, stating she especially enjoys all the florals on campus and is happy to be immersed in such nice scenery and spaces here on campus.
“Lewis & Clark has its own unique community,” said Cooper. “I’m excited to learn more about it but also become a part of it.”
The College Advising Center is located in the Albany Quadrangle, and both Yeoman and Cooper are available to meet. To get to know them even better, email the CAC to make an appointment with them at cac@lclark.edu.
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