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.

Reggie Gacad

Assistant Director, First Year Center

As the Assistant Director, Reggie supports the selection, training, and development of student leadership initiatives that support new student transitions. These include the First Year Center Executive Board, Washington University Student Associates, and BEAR Leaders. Reggie also works with programming and support for parent and family members and assists with assessment and evaluation for the First Year Center. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Reggie holds an M.Ed. in College Student Affairs Administration from the University of Georgia and a B.A. in Psychology from Washington University in St. Louis.

Dacoda Scarlett

Coordinator, First Year Center

Dacoda serves as the Coordinator for the First Year Center to assist new students with their transition to Washington University, programming and support for transfer and exchange students, and second-year experience. Dacoda works directly with the First Year Center Executive Board and coordinates Winter Welcome: New Student Spring Orientation. He also oversees marketing and communications for the office. Originally from Southwest Missouri, Dacoda holds two degrees from Missouri State University: a B.S in Intercultural Communication/Ethical Leadership and an M.S. in Student Affairs in Higher Education.

Miranda Kroeger

Administrative Coordinator, First Year Center

Miranda 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. Miranda also coordinates many of the logistics for First Year Center events. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Miranda holds an A.B. in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from Washington University in St. Louis.

Jessie Lee

Student Leadership Assistant, First Year Center

Jessie serves as the Student Leadership Assistant to the First Year Center, and works to train, supervise, and support the current class of Washington University Student Associates. She oversees the programming of events for first year students, as well as coordinates communication between the student leaders and the First Year Center. Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Jessie holds a B.A. in Psychology-Neuroscience-Philosophy from Washington University in St. Louis.