Katharine Pei

Director, First Year Center

Katharine serves as Director supporting the orientation, transition, and retention of new students and their families as they join the Washington University community. Katharine provides strategic vision for the department and coordinates Bear Beginnings: New Student Fall Orientation.  In addition, she serves as a four-year academic advisor for students in Arts & Sciences and as a Green Dot facilitator. Katharine is a Board member for NODA, the Association for Orientation, Transition, and Retention in Higher Education.  She previously served as the NODA Network Chair for Highly Selective Institutions. Originally from Southern Illinois, Katharine holds an M.Ed. from the University of South Carolina in Higher Education & Student Affairs and a B.S.B.A. from Saint Louis University.

Andrea Farnan

Assistant Director, First Year Center

Andrea serves as the Assistant Director assisting new students and their families with their transition to Washington University, with particular emphasis on Pre-Orientation and faculty engagement efforts. Andrea works directly with the First Year Center Executive Board and Washington University Student Associates. She has primary responsibility for Parent & Family programming for families of all undergraduate students, including Family Ties, Parent & Family Orientation, and Parent & Family Weekend. Andrea also serves as a four-year academic advisor to students in Arts & Sciences and on the University Sexual Assault Investigative Board. Andrea is a Student Leadership Institute Faculty member for NODA, the Association for Orientation, Transition, and Retention in Higher Education. Originally from Norman, Oklahoma, Andrea holds a M.S. in Higher Education Administration and Policy from Northwestern University and a B.A. in International Affairs and Anthropology from The George Washington University.

Reggie Gacad

Coordinator, First Year Center

Reggie serves as the Coordinator for First Year Center to assist new students and their families with their transition to Washington University, with particular emphasis on SOAR: Summer Orientation Advising Registration, programming and support for transfer and exchange students, and second-year experience. Reggie works directly with the First Year Center Executive Board and Washington University Student Associates. He also coordinates Winter Welcome: New Student Spring Orientation. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Reggie holds a M.Ed. in College Student Affairs Administration from the University of Georgia and a B.A. in Psychology from Washington University in St. Louis.

Terri Brennan

Department Secretary

Terri provides administrative support for the First Year Center. You will often find her answering the questions of new students and their families via phone and email. Terri is also responsible for accounting and payroll for the First Year Center.