About Me
Hi folks, I'm Dr. Courtney Douglass, and I've been working in higher education since 2006. My first job was in an admissions office; I've taught general education courses, graduate level courses, worked as an instructional designer, and I'm currently a graduate research librarian. I have experience with a variety of institutions including 2 and 4-year schools, Research I schools, and Liberal Arts schools. As a first generation college student, I had no idea what I was doing or how to really be successful in and make the most of my college experience. As Consilium's owner, and a Guide, I don't want to just help you get in, I want to prepare you to be successful from day one on your new campus!
My Story
I applied to three colleges with limited support. I didn't have a major in mind, I just knew I wanted to keep learning. I eventually settled on an Interdisciplinary Studies track combining English and Sociology courses. I didn't think much about campus life because I didn't live on campus, and while I established good relationships with my professors, I never really bonded to my undergrad institution. And as graduation approached, I found myself thinking about the school I was too afraid to apply to. Wouldn't you know it? That school had a graduate program. So I applied. But still, I didn't know how to navigate being part of a school. I didn't know anyone who'd been to grad school before. It was years later when I was almost two full semesters into my second graduate program, that hindsight kicked in, and it kicked me hard. I didn't know about assistantships, or mentors. And as someone on the spectrum, I don't do well with networking for networkings sake.
Even though I'd been in grad school twice, when I continued on to my doctoral program, I was in new territory yet again. I made sure to get funding, to secure the right advisor and mentors. But I'd be remiss if I said I nailed it. I'm proud of my degrees, and I'm proud of what I'm doing with the knowledge and experience I've gained. Every day I help students who are currently in college and grad school succeed in their programs, and through Consilium, I am able to help prospective students as they begin their journeys.