HEI is proud to welcome Kathleen Jarman to our team as a research analyst. Below, Kathleen offers a glimpse into her career thus far with a brief interview. If you’d like to learn more about Kathleen or connect with her, we encourage you to CONTACT US!
Kathleen Jarman serves as a Research Analyst at HEI. Kathleen began her career as a school-based college and career adviser with the College Advising Corps. She has experience designing and implementing evaluations in educational and non-profit settings. As a former practitioner, Kathleen is passionate about empowering educators to utilize research and data to inform their practice. She has designed and facilitated educator-facing professional learning opportunities to support the use of research and data. Kathleen holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Dickinson College and a master’s of education in Education Policy & Management from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
What first drew you to work in higher education?
I started my career as a college and career adviser with the College Advising Corps. As I worked with my students and their families through their future planning processes, I saw the ways in which postsecondary educational opportunities could provide young people with access to innumerable life-changing opportunities. These opportunities had an impact not just on the students themselves, but on their families, and their communities. However, I also saw the ways in which postsecondary institutions often struggled to recruit, retain, and support historically marginalized learners.
During my time as an adviser, I got to know many wonderful admissions counselors, financial aid counselors, and members of student support services. They shared with me the many financial and institutional barriers they face in their efforts to provide all students with the tools they need to thrive. I believe that all higher education institutions believe in their students and want to support their success. And yet, many institutions lack the financial resources and access to training and information they need to develop more robust and equitable student services. After my service with CAC came to an end, I pursued a graduate degree in Education Policy and Management in an effort to better understand the systems, dynamics, and issues I observed in the field and the levers we have to affect positive change.
How would you describe the work you’re most passionate about?
I’m most passionate about finding ways to dismantle the barrier that is too often present between research and practice. I love working shoulder-to-shoulder with educators and student-serving organizations to develop their capacity for utilizing research and data to inform their work.
What gives you hope in the work you do?
Throughout my early career, I have been fortunate to work with some truly incredible young people. My former students are my guiding motivation. My hope is that my students–and all learners–have equitable access to high-quality educational opportunities. I strive to use my skill set to help educators, institutions, and organizations better serve learners and their communities.
What is your favorite part of working at HEI and with HEI’s clients?
All of the opportunities to learn! Whether from my wonderful colleagues or our clients. I love working with a diverse array of clients and getting a look at some of the innovative programming that’s happening throughout the higher education landscape. I’m also excited to be part of a team that has such a wealth of knowledge and experiences. I’m looking forward to working with and learning from everyone.