Progression Team

Alice is an experienced educator with over 20 years of experience as a high school teacher, college international student advisor, and student success advocate working with students from diverse cultural, social and economic backgrounds. 

Alice earned a Bachelor's degree in English Teaching in China. Motivated by her commitment to personal growth Alice moved to the US and pursued a master's degree in Teaching, Learning, and Leadership at Oklahoma State University. This combination of international and local educational experiences has enriched her understanding of the challenges and obstacles that college students encounter.

Having been a new immigrant and an older international college student herself, Alice empathizes deeply with the overwhelming and demanding nature of college student life and study. She recognizes the importance of having a reliable source of guidance and support during times of difficulty. Alice aspires to be that unwavering pillar of assistance for students within the university system, ensuring that the students she interacts with feel a sense of belonging, visibility, and unwavering support. 

Alice is wholeheartedly committed to providing comprehensive support to students. She genuinely enjoys interacting with students, investing time to personally understand them, and offering customized assistance when needed. Alice firmly believes that with a strong support system in place, every student can conquer challenges, navigate complexities, and accomplish their goals.
 

Noah Spencer (he/him/his) was born in Colorado but raised in Oregon. He started at PSU as a student employee, serving several roles, from front desk work to peer advising. He completed his undergraduate degree in Psychology and Communication Studies in 2021. 

He started his journey at Portland State in 2017 when he transferred from PCC to pursue his undergraduate degree. After graduating in 2021, he started his career at PSU working in the Transfer and Returning Student Resource Center for two years before moving into the Office of Student Success. He is passionate about helping students return to higher education and ensuring students get the support they need to thrive at Portland State, he has recently started the Postsecondary Adult and Continuing Education (PACE) masters program to better support students. In his free time, Noah enjoys playing D&D and spending time with family. 

Alicia (she/her/hers) is originally from Southern Oregon, but now considers Portland home. She completed a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Divinity with a concentration in Social Organizing, Advocacy, and Social Transformation from Duke University. As a first generation student, Alicia is passionate about increasing access to higher education and supporting students throughout their educational journey.

Alicia has worked in student affairs contexts since 2020, and began her career at Portland State as a Residence Director in University Success. Alicia has particularly enjoyed working with students at PSU as they bring a wealth of excitement, creativity, and persistence to their experiences as college students. In her work, Alicia is committed to reducing support barriers, providing efficient access to resources, and furthering justice work at PSU. Alicia is passionate about each individual student’s success and creating support plans that fit the particular needs of the students she works alongside.  

In her free time, Alicia enjoys all things outdoors, reading both fiction and non-fiction, and collecting far too many houseplants.

Brenna primarily supports Portland Scholars who started at PSU as a first-year student.
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Brenna Whitton (she/her/hers) is originally from Connecticut and has recently relocated to Oregon. Her educational and professional experiences have brought her to universities across the country, offering a unique and holistic perspective to the PSU community. As a former transfer student, she focuses on fostering belonging and community among her students as they navigate their academic paths. Brenna is dedicated to helping students achieve their goals and individual definitions of success. She believes in the term “challenge by choice,” as our choices, even when difficult, guide our journeys.

Since 2017, Brenna has worked in higher education where she has supported the incoming student experience through first-year academic programs, student leadership, transfer programs, retention and persistence initiatives, and as an adjunct instructor in the Leadership Minor at the University of South Florida.

Brenna transferred from the University of New Hampshire to the University of Connecticut where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies. She completed a Master of Science in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Student Affairs and Higher Education from Mississippi State University. Brenna continued her graduate education in Big Data Learning Analytics and Academic Advising while working at the University of South Florida as a Transfer Programs Coordinator and First Year Academic Advocate before relocating to Oregon.

Being new to the Portland area, Brenna enjoys exploring the food scene, hiking, thrifting, and walking her dog.