Dear Friends,
I am writing to share the news that Tina Meetran will be transitioning out of her role as Executive Director of College Visions. After ten years of engagement with College Visions as a CV student, staff member, and leader – we are sad to see Tina leave, but we also know that Tina’s trajectory represents the best of CV. We support students and staff to set big goals and achieve those goals. We also encourage people to reflect on their lives holistically and to embrace change. We are thankful for Tina’s outstanding leadership during the challenges of the pandemic and are excited to see what her next journey brings.
The CV Board unanimously voted to appoint Moira Hinderer Interim Executive Director of CV. Moira holds a B.A. from Mount Holyoke College and an M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Chicago. Prior to College Visions, she worked at Johns Hopkins University and Harvard University. Moira has been integral to the growth and success of CV over the past seven years. She previously served as Co-Acting Director of CV and we appreciate her leadership during this transition.
CV begins this new phase in a strong fiscal and programmatic position. Thanks to our funders and donors, CV exceeded our revenue goals by almost 20% in FY21 and grew our donations from individuals by 50%. We are incredibly thankful to everyone who stepped up to make sure that low-income, first-generation high school and college students had the support and resources they needed to manage academics, employment, and family responsibilities during the pandemic.
All of the workshops, individual meetings, health and wellness activities, and financial support that CV provided to students paid off! Over 90% of CV 12th graders completed the College Access Program and of those students 100% are enrolled in college for fall 2021. This year’s CV college students achieved a 6-year graduation rate of 67% compared to a 41% 6-year graduation rate for low-income RI college students overall. I’m incredibly proud that CV supported students to achieve these outstanding outcomes during a time when low-income students are leaving or delaying college in significant numbers.
As the Board begins our search for permanent executive leadership for CV, we will also take time to explore alternate models of leadership for the organization. Innovation and flexibility have always been core CV values, which we will embrace as we move toward the next stage of CV’s development.
During this interim period at College Visions, Moira will be our communications point person. You are welcome to reach out to her at moira@collegevisions or (401) 490-3996. She can connect you if you wish to speak with me. The board and staff of College Visions welcomes conversations. If you have questions, I hope you will reach out.
Sincerely,
Deborah Obalil
College Visions Board Chair
