The START Center
Academic advising, registration, tutoring, orientations, educational planning, disability services, academic support and more.

Meet the Peer Advisors

Earning a degree can be challenging. It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the classes to select, majors to declare, and graduation requirements to complete. Our peer advisors are equipped to answer the tough college questions that you may encounter in your pursuit of a degree (well, almost all of them; we still haven't figured out how to get roommates to do dishes).

Peer advisors strive to be excellent role models, boasting accomplishments both in and out of the classroom. You will find that they have encountered the same classes, professors and deadlines that you face and will provide you with applicable solutions to your questions. Their genuine enthusiasm for helping others makes the office a welcoming place. Come visit us! We'll cover more than the basics and keep you on the right path.

 

 

Alexandra Cohn

Junior
From:
Napa, California
Major: Psychology
Minor: Business
Advises: Business, Fine Arts, Psychology, Undeclared
Activities: President of Alphabet Soup, riding horses, sewing, reading, playing and listening to music

I knew from the moment I stepped on campus that Westminster College was the right place for me even though I had no idea what I wanted as a major.  Tucked away from the rest of the city, small enough that you won't get lost, and surrounded by students completely passionate about what they are studying.

I decided to become a peer advisor because of my experience as a first year student in the START Center.  The first Westminster student I met was my peer advisor, and I want to make sure that every student has the same great experience that I did. 

Drop in and see me whenever you have a question!

 

Jonathan Galvan 

Senior 
From: Los Angeles, California
Major: Aviation Business Management 
Minor: None
Advises: Aviation, Flight operations/Management and Business majors, Undeclared 
Activities: Hanging out with friends, listening to music, school and work 

People always ask me why a big city guy like me chose to come to such a small school and in such a small town, compared to L.A. All I have to say is that I was willing to go anywhere that offered the major I wanted. Fortunately, I only had to travel two states over to make my dream of becoming a pilot a reality. Now, here I am enjoying the small class size and everything that comes with that. So far I love Salt Lake City.

I chose to be a peer so I could share what i know about Westminster with new students. This is a great place to be and I want to make sure everyone knows it! I also want to share my passion for flying with all new Aviation students and make sure they stay "on track" with their courses.

Drop in and see me anytime!

 

Dina Kilcrease

Junior
From:
Lewisville, Texas
Major: Nursing, Undeclared
Minor: None
Advises: Nursing and Undeclared
Activities: Gardening, traveling and reading

I have had several breaks during my education having moved around Texas and then to Utah.  My family and I have set down roots in Stansbury, UT.  I transferred to Westminster in 2008 and I love it!  I am very proud of Westminster and our nursing program.  Our small school is very comfortable and the professors are the most caring professors I have ever had.

If you are considering a career in nursing, please make an appointment to come see me.  I look forward to meeting you soon and answering any questions you may have.

 

Sarah Pike

Senior
From:
Las Vegas, Nevada
Major:  Communications
Minor: English
Advises: Humanities, Fine Arts, Communications, Languages, Undeclared
Activities: Resident Advisor, Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah, Alumni Mentoring Program, hanging out at local coffee shops with friends, traveling, reading, writing

I discovered Westminster College on a fluke right before my senior year of high school and have been grateful for this random find ever since.  As a Nevada native, I did not know a soul in Utah when I moved on campus three years ago.  Today, Westminster has become my home, where I have grown in countless ways and formed new forever friendships.

I entered college planning on a possible International Business major - then changed my mind to psychology, to elementary education, to English.  I finally declared as a Communications major with English as my minor.  So far those of you who want to tackle a handful of majors, remember that you have some time and help to figure it all out.  As a peer advisor, I hope to help you do just that, as well as assist you with all of your other academic planning needs.

Stop by anytime, and remember that college is a time not to just check classes off a list.  Invest yourself in each class and all it has to offer and this will ensure you have the greatest college experience possible.

 

Caralee Starling 

Junior 
From: Provo, Utah
Major: Biology (pre-med)/Honors Program, Sciences, Undeclared 
Minor: Art
Advises: Sciences (biology, chemistry, math, etc.) and Honors
Activities: Playing viola, painting, hanging out with family and friends

I have a small family with two sisters. We have lived in both Oregon and Hawaii but currently my family lives in Provo. With my biology degree, I plan on going to medical school to specialize in plastic surgery. I am truly enjoying the Westminster experience!

I chose to be a peer advisor so I can help new students feel more welcome to the college and help create a welcoming atmosphere for all our visitors. Drop in and see me anytime!

 

Alison Stephens

Senior
From:
Clearfield, Utah
Major: Mathematics, Secondary Education (originally)
Minor: None
Advises: Education, Languages, Fine Arts, Undeclared
Activities: Volleyball, reading

When I began at Westminster I was very active on the Volleyball team and had chosen education as my major with mathematics as a minor.  As time passed and I seemed to always be busy, I decided it best to complete a bachelor's degree in Math and wait on education for my Masters'.  It was the right decision for me. 

I decided to become a peer advisor because of my experience at Westminster.  Just because I started off as an education major did not mean I had to stay with that major.  I never felt pressured to do something that at the moment was not in my best interest.  That's what's nice about the professors and advisors here.  Instead they suggested that I complete a bachelor's degree and think about getting a Masters in education.  My decision relieved me of alot of the stress I was under.

If you are considering a career in education, please make an appointment to come see me or just stop by when I am working.  I look forward to seeing you soon and answering all of your questions!



 

There are 10 major ski and snowboard resorts within an hour's drive of campus.

Contact

START Center
Carleson Hall
Westminster College
1840 South 1300 East
Salt Lake City, UT 84105

(801) 832-2280
(801) 832-3118 (fax)
Online Form Email