The Catholic University of America

 Meet the Metropolitan Staff

 
 
 
 
Dean, Metropolitan School of Professional Studies & Associate Provost, New Program Initiatives
Sara Thompson is in her ninth year as Dean of the Metropolitan School of Professional Studies, and also serves in a university-wide capacity as Associate Provost for New Program Initiatives. It is a pleasure for her to work with the dedicated students of the School, who carve time out of their busy lives in order to pursue important and life-changing educational goals. She also enjoys working with the talented staff and faculty who strive to create a warm and welcoming academic community for our students. Her educational background includes: a Ph.D. in Educational/Industrial Psychology from Marquette University, as well as a Master of Business Administration in Marketing Management from the University of Colorado, Boulder. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Associate Dean & Chair, Professional Studies
Scott has worked in higher education for a quarter-century, including positions with George Washington University, Samford University (AL), and UCLA. Since joining Metropolitan in 2003, he has been instrumental in the solicitation/administration of $14.25 million in training grant programs and the introduction of the School’s graduate programs, for which he serves as academic advisor. Scott holds a B.B.A. in International Business from George Washington University and an M.B.A. in Strategic Management from Claremont Graduate University. He has also earned a Certificate in Community-Based Development from Colorado State University. Scott’s personal interests include his family (of course!), religion/theology, food/cooking (especially vegetarian), financial planning/investing, kayaking, and “road trips.” He also enjoys volunteering as an e-Mentor for high school students and serving on advisory committees (Gifted Education and Career & Techincal Education) for his local school board.
 
Assistant Dean
Elise joins the Metropolitan School of Professional Studies with a background in higher education that includes work in student life and academic affairs. Elise earned her B.A. in Psychology with minors in Philosophy and Theology and Religious Studies from The Catholic University of America and her M.A. in Higher Education Administration from Boston College. Elise is excited to be a part of the Metropolitan School of Professional Studies team and looks forward to getting to know the MSPS students. 
 
Director of Admissions and Business Development
Mattie Hunter joined the Metropolitan School of Professional Studies in 2008. She has worked with adult learners in both higher education and the private sector for more than 20 years. Her previous employers include: MGM University Partners, The George Washington University, and MCI Communications. She holds a Master of Human Resources and Organization Development degree from the University of San Francisco and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Clark-Atlanta University.  
 
 
 
Director, Administration/IT
Toni Clements joined the Metropolitan School of Professional Studies in September 2002. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting from the University of South Florida and a master’s degree in Computer Science from The Catholic University of America. As a dedicated member of the CUA community, she offers prompt, friendly and professional guidance to prospective and current students, faculty and staff. Ms. Clements has gained a wealth of experience by serving in multiple capacities throughout the CUA university system.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Associate Director of Admissions
Joe joined the Metropolitan School of Professional Studies in 2011. He is not only a native Washingtonian; he grew up in and around the Brookland area. After graduating from Archbishop Carroll High School in 1974, he walked a few hundred feet down Harewood Road to The Catholic University of America where he was awarded a scholarship in Speech and Drama from Fr. Gilbert V. Hartke. In 1976, Joe wanted to see the world outside Brookland and decided to “take a break” between his sophomore and junior year. He started a career as a manager for Continental Airlines and traveled to parts of the globe he never knew existed. One day in 2006, while on the Metrorail to the airport, he saw an advertisement for the Metropolitan School of Professional Studies. He realized, 30 years later, that the break had gone on a bit too long and that he was running out of exotic places to go. Joe returned to Catholic University and completed his B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies at MSPS in 2009. He is now pursuing his Master of Science in Management degree, Professional Communication track, at MSPS. Joe is thrilled to have found his way home and looks forward to helping others, who may have also “taken a break” in their education, to achieve their dream of a earning a college degree.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Academic Coordinator
Charlene entered the higher education community over 12 years ago. Since joining MSPS in 2003, she has strived to enrich the academic experience for each student from the very first point of contact. As part of that effort, Charlene manages the application process for Metropolitan’s undergraduate students and actively engages in outreach efforts (e.g., communicate and corporate education fairs) to identify prospective students who might benefit from MSPS’s academic programs and service orientation. In her advisor role, Charlene coaches students through the challenges of pursuing academic, professional, and personal goals concurrently. Charlene holds a Bachelor of Arts in Management (2008) and a Master of Science in Management (2012) from The Catholic University of America. She has been an active member of Toastmasters International® since 1996 and, in 2011, became a Certified Professional Coach through Fowler Wainwright Institutes International. Charlene is a strong advocate of life-long learning, and enjoys serving her family and community by encouraging them to identify sustainable ventures that overcome disparities through training and education.
 
 
 
Assistant to the Dean
Charis received her bachelor’s degree in Media Studies with a minor in Philosophy from The Catholic University of America in 2008. As an undergrad she was very active in several of CUA’s student organizations such as the Filipino Organization of Catholic University Students, the Korean Association, and CUA Ballroom. Charis also had the privilege of working for CUA’s Disability Support Services as well as the Metropolitan School of Professional Studies, and knows the campus very well. This will be her fifth year with Metropolitan SPS and third as a full-time staff member, serving as Assistant to the Dean. She look forward to welcoming you when you stop by the main Metropolitan office.
 

Manager of Academic Records

Nicole joined the Metropolitan School of Professional Studies in November 2010. She is responsible for the records management process in MSPS. Nicole received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Justice from American University and her Master of Arts degree in Psychology from Concordia University Chicago. Her higher education background includes experience in financial aid, records management, and student services.
 
Program Coordinator
New to DC and Catholic University, Tony coordinates the Health Information Technology Program and is the Academic Advisor for all undergraduate IT students. Originally from Wisconsin, with years spent in Philadelphia and Montana and a 6-month stint living on a tour bus while promoting the 2008 Presidential Election, Tony is happy to establish roots in DC and eager to embrace Catholic University and the Metropolitan School of Professional Studies.
 
 
Marketing & Enrollment Specialist
As our Marketing and Enrollment Specialist, Lauren is reponsible for MSPS’s advertising, publications, website and social networking sites, as well as promoting and coordinating information sessions for prospective students. Lauren grew up in Northern Virginia and returned to the area after graduating with a B.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University. She joined MSPS in August 2010 and is excited to have the opportunity to help students achieve their educational goals.