Trio Educational Talent Search

Jason Thomas
Director
TRiO -Talent Search Program
(708) 709-7940
jjthomas@prairiestate.edu

B.A., Business Management/Marketing, University of Illinois at Chicago
M.Ed., Administration & Supervision, Tennessee State University  

Jason has been working with underrepresented student populations in the area of mentoring and career advising for the past six years. Prior to PSC, he worked as a college recruiter and taught career prep classes in the Metro Nashville public school system.

Favorite Quote:
"Adversity is life pushing you into position." -Unknown

Fred Davenport
Administrative Assistant
TRiO-Talent Search Program
(708) 709-7917
fdavenport@prairiestate.edu

B.S., Physical Science, University of Illinois, Springfield
M.A., Business Administration, University of Illinois, Springfield

As administrative assistant, Fred supports Talent Search outreach operations, maintains databases, and facilitates student use of the Learning Achievement Center lab and the many resources offered therein. He joined PSC in 2010 and enjoys working with the students and staff to support program objectives. Following military and corporate assignments, Fred has over ten years experience working at a local high school where he most recently served as administrative assistant in the English and Reading departments.

Favorite Quotes:
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step." -Unknown
"Start near.  Go far." -PSC tagline

Jennica Rodriquez
Educational Specialist
TRiO-Talent Search Program
(708) 709-3510
jrodriguez2216@prairiestate.edu

B.A., Political Science, Minor-Latin American and Latino Studies, DePaul University

Jennica recently graduated magna cum laude from the Honors Program at DePaul University. As a first generation college graduate, she recognizes and values the importance of obtaining postsecondary education. Her volunteer work and internship with the National Hispanic Institute have allowed her to have experience with helping young people reach their full potential.    

Favorite Quote:
"We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community... Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own." –Cesar Chavez

Cassandra Rush-Everett
Educational Specialist
TRiO-Talent Search Program
(708) 709-2952
crush@prairiestate.edu

B.S., Hotel/Restaurant Management/Business Administration, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, Illinois.
Master of Public Administration (MPA), Governors State University, University Park, Illinois.

Cassandra has over ten years of experience providing both direct/indirect academic support services to "at risk" students within the south suburban and Chicago land area.  Prior to PSC, she worked for the Illinois Department of Human Services where she monitored the compliance of agencies that provide educational, physical and emotional support to underprivileged communities within the Cook County Region.    

Favorite Quote:
"Any change, even for the better, is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts. " –Arnold Bennett