We asked staff members in the Division of Student Affairs what they love about their job, UW Tacoma, and UW.
Here is what they said.
Janet De La Cruz, MPA (she/her/hers)
Admissions Counselor
Enrollment Services
I really appreciate the people I have met as part of Student Affairs. I get to work with individuals who are really good at their jobs and care about making higher education accessible. My colleague's commitment to providing quality education and services has been an energizing force as I have navigated my own professional journey and growth at UW Tacoma.
Amanda Figueroa, MS (she/her/hers)
Senior Director
Student Transitions & Success
UW Tacoma is a special place to work because we’re so connected to community and local people’s hopes for the future.
Conor Leary (he/him/his)
Assistant Director of Student Involvement
Student Life
What drew me to work in the Division of Student Affairs at the University of Washington Tacoma was the interconnected nature the division had and works to continue with the student population. There are plenty of opportunities for students to engage with the Division of Student Affairs, especially in student assistant positions that allow supervisors to understand student needs more directly. Students are also able to witness and understand the work is worked on and progressed in the division. I have the incredible opportunity of working with students in their employment and their volunteer work to help them understand how the skills they are developing can be transferred to different fields and promote them as more versatile candidates for their future positions.
The Division of Student Affairs has only encouraged me to dive more into the empowering work of helping students understand how they can create impact by their decision to get involved on campus or beyond the University community. When working with Registered Student Organizations, I am able to encourage students who have a vested interest in the promotion and connection of the community to particular interests that without them, the University would not be able to fully support. Whether assisting in the development of an organization focused on educating and celebrating a particular culture or supporting the future academic study of an academic program, I model myself as resource advisor , ready to provide any tools or guidance that students, staff, faculty, or community members will need to enhance the campus experience for all those who attend.
Monica Maul (she/her/hers)
Program Coordinator
Student Planning & Administration
I like working directly with students and staff… frontline and center! This includes initiating a connection, guiding/interacting with students through their hire process. I have a sense of responsibility in showing up each day to contribute and leave a positive impact in the lives of others. Simply put, I strive to foster a feeling of community and deliver customer service with an attention to detail. My Student Planning & Administration (SPA) team leads by example, and I feel grateful to work with this team!
Daniel Nash (he/him/his)
Student Media Specialist
Student Life
I’m a class of 2009 UW Tacoma alum. What I loved about my student experience was the intimacy of our campus community. Whenever I met with a staff member, I knew they were invested in my success. I wanted to pay that forward. Student services can be a stressful field, but my experience has shown that it’s also a humane field. The people who work in it are already concerned about nurturing students’ development. It’s not too far a leap over to an equal concern for colleagues’ needs. The people I work with are flexible, understanding, and genuinely kind. That can be a rare thing in the working world.
