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.

Kerri Hamilton (she/they) is a lifelong resident of Portland, Oregon, and has attended Portland State University for both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Kerri started at PSU as a student worker in the Disability Resource Center in 2016 while receiving her BS in Community Health Education and continued to receive her Master’s in Education in 2022.

Kerri has worked as a teacher, mentor, and in digital accessibility and technology. She is driven by her own experiences in education to create sustainable support for students and believes that there is no one “right” way to learn. In her career, she strives to make higher education more accessible and enjoyable for students. She believes that each student’s success looks different and every student deserves to feel supported and welcomed in education. Kerri loves to talk with students and know more about how they are experiencing college and likes to support community events and student organizations. 

In her free time, she enjoys running, baking bread, watching soccer, and reading queer-focused stories and biographies.