Dr. Jason Cottrell

My Professional Background (so far)

Education

Doctor of Philosophy

The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
Higher Education Policy and Leadership
Cognates: Research and Social Policy
Dissertation: The Role of a University College on Student Engagement

Master of Education

Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
Administration and Supervision

Bachelor of Science 

Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
Sociology and Anthropology

Professional Experience

U.S. Department of Education, Washington, D.C.

Data Coordinator, Office of Postsecondary Education 2024 – Present

Lead Research Analyst, Office of Postsecondary Education 2016 – 2024

North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina

Interim Director & Associate Director, New Student Services 2011 – 2015

Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia

Director, New Student Programs 2008 – 2010

Coordinator of Supplemental Instruction 2004 – 2008

J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, Henrico, Virginia

Coordinator for Student Life 2003 – 2004

Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia

Financial Aid Counselor 2001 – 2003

Specialized Training

• Conducting and authoring original research using computer analytical software
• Banner student information system, Symplicity, and SIS+ for student records
• Quantitative (Statistical) Research Methodology including computer analyses using SPSS, familiarity with SAS and R, and SQL, Qualitative Research Methodology including computer analyses using NVivo and ATLAS.ti, with a specialization in Evaluation and Assessment
• Policy development and evaluation experience in the creation and support of FISPE grant programs and emergency relief funds during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Project and Contract Management
• Program Evaluation
• Certified Coordinator of Supplemental Instruction
• Federal Security Clearance: Public Trust

Professional Memberships and Service

American Association of University Professors

American College Personnel Association

• Vice President-Elect Membership
• Presidential Task Force on ACPA Conventions
• Presidential Task Force on 21st Century Employment in Higher Education
• ACPA22 Convention Chair, St. Louis
• ACPA19 Co-Chair, Sponsored and Co-Sponsored Programs
• Coordinator for ACPA Chapters
• Vice Chair for Research, Commission for Student Involvement
• Candidate for Chair, Standing Committee for LGBT Awareness
• Director of Education, Standing Committee for LGBT Awareness
• Volunteer Program Reviewer (2009, Standing Committee for Men), Cluster Leader (2011, ACPA Meet Up Program), Convention Volunteer (2012, Las Vegas Convention Marketing), Committee Member (2015, Student Employment and the Affordable Care Act)

National Association of Student Personnel Administrators

National Campus Learning Center Association

• Editorial Board, The Learning Assistance Review

National Orientation Directors Association

North Carolina College Personnel Association

• President (Elect, President, Past)
• Member-At-Large for Diversity and Social Justice

Virginia College Personnel Association

Awards and Honors

• 2024 ACPA Foundation Diamond Honoree
• 2024 Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition, Representative Jamie Raskin
• 2022 Congressional Citation, Senator Chris Van Hollen
• 2022 ACPA Presidential Citation
• 2015 ACPA Outstanding Experienced Professional in Admissions, Orientation, and First-Year Experience (11+ Years)
• 2014 NODAAward for Excellence in Design: Outstanding Novelty Item
• 2014 ACPA State Division Presidents’ Star Award                                    
• 2013 ACPA Inaugural Institute for Aspiring Senior Student Affairs Officers
• 2013 ACPA Annuit Coeptis Emerging Professional
• 2013 University of Virginia Alton L. Taylor Award for Professional Development
• 2013 HRC North Carolina Nominee for Leader in LGBT Equality Award            
• 2012 ACPA Graduate Student Research and Innovation Award for Commuter Students and Adult Learners
• 2007 VCU Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute
• 2005 VCU First Year Student Services Recognition for Extraordinary Contribution
• 2004 UMKC Supplemental Instruction Supervisor Certification