Alison Shields has been appointed an instructor within the Supported Learning Program at Davis & Elkins College. A higher education professional with more than 20 years of experience in the D&E TRIO Upward Bound Program, Shields brings great experience working with first-generation and at-risk college students to The Naylor Learning Center.
Since 1989 the D&E Supported Learning Program has offered students with disabilities specialized services beyond legal accommodations. As a Supported Learning Program instructor, Shields will work with program participants in the areas of academic support, independent living and social skills. She will provide individual and group support inside and outside of the classroom to increase student success, retention and graduation rates for students with disabilities.
“Alison brings a wealth of higher education experience supporting diverse learners and connecting students to needed resources for their academic success,” said the Director of The Naylor Learning Center Derek Fincham. “Her dedication to students and D&E is clear, and The Naylor Learning Center is very fortunate to add this student-centered professional to our team.”
Shields comes to The Naylor Learning Center from the D&E Upward Bound program, where she served as assistant director. In addition to those duties, she has served as a case manager, taught parenting courses and served as an advocate for many youths in the area.
“I am very excited about the opportunity to continue working with students at Davis & Elkins College,” Shields said. “The Naylor Center is a perfect fit for my passion to assist students in achieving their higher education dreams.”
Alison holds both a Bachelor of Science in teacher education and a Master of Arts in reading from West Virginia University. In addition to her professional work, Shields has served on the United Way Board, Mountain State Forest Festival committees and local youth organizations.
Alison Shields
