Meet the CASP Professional Staff

Director

Shanelle Watkins, Ed.D.

Hometown: San Diego
High School: Point Loma High School
College BA: California State University, San Marcos
MA: University of San Diego
EdD: University of California, San Diego (ABD)
Favorite spot at UCSD: Does Target count?
Bucket list: To vacation in the south of France after I complete my doctoral program
Advice to new students: Throughout your journey here, remember your greatness, and that your story is uniquely yours, and do not be afraid to share it!

Shanelle has worked in the field of education for over 14 years, at the K-12, community college and four-year university levels. As a first-generation student herself, Shanelle’s life passion has been to ensure that all students have supportive pathways to and through postsecondary education. Her dissertation research focuses on the experiences of Black women undergraduate student leaders at Hispanic Serving Institutions in the state of California.

swatkins@ucsd.edu | (858) 822-5392

Karen Van Ness, M.A. | ACADEMIC SUPPORT COORDINATOR

Hometown: Richardson, Texas
High School: Plano Senior High School
College (BA): Brown University
MA & C.Phil: UCSD Department of Literature. Currently in joint doctoral program in education at UC San Diego and California State University, San Marcos
Favorite spot at UCSD: The May 1970 Peace Memorial on Revelle Campus
Bucket list: To finish my dissertation!
Advice to new students: UC San Diego can feel big & impersonal, but you will find your place if you look for it.

Karen has worked at UC San Diego for over 15 years as a writing instructor and as a program coordinator in Student Affairs. She is currently working on her doctoral dissertation on the role of the University of California system in the success of non-traditional students.
kvanness@ucsd.edu | (858) 246-0322

Schedule an appointment, https://calendly.com/karenvanness

Specializations: Classes/Enrollment, Tutoring Resources, OLC Requirements, Academic Jeopardy, Withdrawing for the quarter/ Readmission, General advising, Financial aid eligibility/questions.

Nicole Howard

Hometown: Rocklin, CA
College (BA): Chapman University
Favorite spot at UCSD: Pinpoint Cafe @ SIO Campus and Sun God Lawn
Bucket list: Travel to South America
Advice to new students: Don’t be afraid to ask for help! We are here to help you succeed.

Email: nhowardopp@ucsd.edu