Graduate and Postdoc Academic Success (GPAS) Program

GPAS Mission Statement

The Graduate & Postdoc Academic Success (GPAS) program provides the critical infrastructure and support for College/School leadership, departments/programs, and faculty to assist their students and postdocs in reaching their academic goals. We do this through direct outreach to departments and faculty, responsive programming and workshops, and direct support of students and postdocs in alignment with their development as the next generation of scholars and leaders. In addition to tailored and responsive programming to support departments, graduate students, and postdoc needs, we offer individual success planning sessions which include conversations around progress, productivity, and navigating academic relationships. 

GPAS Staff

Stacey Satchell, ICF Professional Certified Coach, MA, MS
Director
Stacey has served as the Academic Life Coach for the last four years and is excited to expand the team to serve more graduate students and postdocs with the transition to Graduate & Postdoc Academic Success (GPAS). Prior to serving in this role, Stacey enjoyed a 20+ year career in higher education providing support for undergraduates and medical students in a variety of student support roles at Vanderbilt, NYU, Columbia, and St. John’s University – with much time focused in the field of academic advising. Stacey is also certified in mediation skills and is interested in supporting Vanderbilt community members in having difficult conversations that lead to growth, learning, and moving forward toward shared goals. Stacey enjoys problem-solving and finding new strategies to help graduate students and postdocs be successful during their time at Vanderbilt. A native of Oklahoma, she spent most of her adult life in New York City before moving to Nashville and Vanderbilt in 2013.

 

Nick Hyer, MS
Academic Success Coordinator
A Wisconsin native, Nick attended the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point, as a first-generation college student. During his undergraduate experience, he found a passion for serving and helping others. This passion led Nick to continue his education at Mississippi State University, where he earned a Master of Science in Counselor Education with an emphasis in College Counseling. Nick has spent the last ten years of his professional career helping students navigate the landscape of higher education. He has worked for large land grant institutions, small state schools, and private faith-based institutions. His roles have included work in housing, counseling, career services, academic advising, summer bridge programs, first-year experience, orientation, academic support, and student success. As a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, Nick works with individuals to help them activate their natural talents, abilities, and ways of thinking into productive and purposeful ways of living. Nick joined Vanderbilt and the GPAS team in July of 2022 and looks forward to learning and growing alongside you. He desires to inspire, encourage, motivate, and believe in all of those who cross his path.

 

For more information on GPAS services or scheduling a meeting with a GPAS staff member, see the GPAS Services & Consultations page.  You can also email us with any questions at gpas@vanderbilt.edu.

Connect with us on Twitter @VU_GPAS

Graduate Student Academic and Personal Concerns

Are you a graduate school student with a concern for yourself or a fellow student? Faculty or staff concerned about a student?  The new chart of Graduate Student Academic and Personal Concerns guides students, faculty and staff to identify the simplest and most direct path to address student academic and personal concerns through the many available campus resources. 

Have additional questions? Contact gpas@vanderbilt.edu  for assistance.