Advising Staff
Allen Thompson
Director, Academic and Career Advising
I have devoted my entire professional career to helping students achieve their educational goals, ultimately leading to great career success. I have held leadership roles at private, public, and proprietary institutions in areas of undergraduate and graduate enrollment management as well as academic affairs. I am proud of the work I’ve done in international education, especially the opportunities to travel to many countries in Latin America, Asia, Kazakhstan, and Puerto Rico. I have a BA from University of Colorado, a Master of Arts in Professional Writing (MAPA) Kennesaw State University in Atlanta, Georgia, and a Ph.D. from Colorado State University in Education and Human Resource Studies, with an emphasis in Educational Leadership. My Research area focuses on Academic Advising and African American Male College Students and I want to expand this work here at Evergreen.
As a Los Angeles, California native, it is very welcoming to see rain again! The beauty of the Pacific Northwest is also pleasing to my soul. I am what many may call a gym buff and I am also very spiritual so my relationship with God and prayer keep me centered. Travel, especially international travel, is another passion of mine.
I am very excited about the changes taking place at Evergreen and the ability to take an active role in these endeavors. My first goal for Evergreen, is to elevate the academic and career advising experience for all Greeners and to enhance their satisfaction with our services, while they are working toward graduation from the College and moving into a career. Secondly, it is beyond a professional charge of mine, a calling if you will, to see that students from marginalized populations feel a sense of pride with regard to their education at Evergreen.
Michelle Kyoko Crowson, PhD (she/her)
Interim Associate Director for New Student Advising
I’m a first-generation college student and second-generation Asian American with roots in my childhood hometown of Tukwila, Washington, and my adopted hometown of Yonago, Japan. Here at Evergreen, I am part of an amazing team that helps you, our newly admitted students,
begin an array of rich and fulfilling educational journeys. Whether we meet in person or online, I strive to greet each student with a positive attitude, a sense of compassion, and curiosity about who you are and who you hope to become.
Before coming to Evergreen, I earned a PhD in Comparative Literature from the University of Oregon and an MFA in Creative Writing from Vermont College. When I’m not helping new Greeners launch their college adventures, I enjoy practicing yoga, reading, rafting, watching soccer, and playing with my dogs.
Haley Lacey
Academic and Career Advisor
While at Evergreen I have worked in student focused offices for the last 9 years, first as a student staff member in Residential and Dining services, and after graduation, as a professional staff member. I am proud to be an Evergreen graduate and found my passion focusing on studies in Education and Literature. As an undergraduate I enjoyed the hands-on educational experiences that Evergreen’s Programs offered. In my first professional position at Evergreen, as an Admissions Counselor, I enjoyed connecting with students about their educational goals. This focus on academic and student success has been a driving force in my life and continues to be my guiding principle.
As an Academic and Career Advisor, I am excited to support students on their educational journey and help them explore their opportunities after graduation.
Kathy McGee
Program Coordinator
I joined the Academic and Career Advising team in 2008 and have worked in higher education for many years prior to coming to Evergreen. I like working with students and helping them to connect with the resources they need to succeed. I particularly enjoy coordinating our Peer Advising team. I truly learn something new everyday, while working with these exceptional Greeners. I love all creatures great and small, and enjoy getting my hands dirty in the garden. My motto is always love, laugh and learn! Hope to see you in ACA!
Raymond Mobley
Academic and Career Advisor
I am a native Floridian but have traveled the world three times. As a young man, I got a chance to view the world and have diverse cultural experiences and a deep connection with nature. Since my very first plane ride to Hawaii, I have lived in and visited Panama, South Carolina, Germany, South Korea, Iraq, Egypt, Texas, Italy, France, Romania, and New York, to name a few. Some of them more than once.
I am always fascinated by diverse cultures and learning about their history. Upon my visit to Dachau Germany, I realized that I wanted to become a member of the Armed Forces and protect our Nation and others around the world. I served for over 20 years and have had the chance to work in many leadership positions.
I am a proud Graduate of The Evergreen State College and worked in the Office of Admissions for six years as an Admissions Counselor for Evening Weekend, and Veteran Students. In January 2022 I joined the Academic and Career Advising team. I am extremely excited to serve in my Academic and Career Advisor role, and hope to help students find their academic path and career. Like I tell my children... if you find something you love, you will never work a day in your life. I loved every moment of my journey and hope to find the same for our amazing students at Evergreen.
Tyrone Newton
Assistant Director, Academic and Career Advising
Greetings everyone! As an Academic and Career Advisor, I get the chance to work with students from many different backgrounds and levels. Prior to joining the Advising team, I worked in the Veterans Affairs office (before it grew and became the Veterans Resource Center), initially as a Veterans Affairs Peer Advisor and then as the Veterans Benefits Advisor. So I am pretty knowledgeable in aiding student veterans in their academic journey. I was a student veteran myself after proudly serving in the U.S. Air Force for just shy of 26 years. I also work with student athletes as they traverse the roadways through academia. During my time as a student, here and at other locations, I was able to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Aircraft Maintenance Technology with the Community College of the Air Force, and from The Evergreen State College, both a Bachelor of Arts (history emphasis/2012) and Master of Public Administration (Public & Nonprofit Administration/2016). I look forward to helping you navigate Evergreen, establishing goals, and succeeding as a student.
Brynn Smith
Assistant Director for International Programs and Services
Hello! I enjoy helping both international and US students figure out how to maximize their experiences abroad – not only to benefit their own personal growth and development, but to positively impact their communities. With Evergreen’s focus on “interdisciplinary learning across significant difference,” I consider it a perfect place to explore the many benefits of a global education. I completed my bachelor’s degrees at Eastern Washington University (I also studied abroad in Quito, Ecuador) with majors in Finance and International Affairs. Given the significant impact from my own intercultural experiences, I decided to pay it forward and pursue a career in international education, which started by earning an M.A. in International Education from SIT (School for International Training) Graduate Institute in 2016. Prior to arriving at Evergreen, I worked in the field for almost five years supporting study abroad and international students. As a born and bred Washingtonian, I am thrilled to serve one of my home state’s public institutions, and the local and global student body. When I’m not wearing my global educator hat, I enjoy being outside, exercising, cooking, traveling, and spending time with my little dog. Stop by or send me an email to discuss your international education goals!