Tara Vasold Fischer ‘02 is no doubt one of the most beloved college administrators at Dickinson College. Perhaps you know Tara from her days in Admissions or maybe she’s even your College Dean! Her Campus Dickinson reached out to Tara to find out more about her Dickinson experience, both as a student and as an administrator.
Name: Tara Vasold Fischer
Job Title: Associate Dean of Academic Advising & College Dean
Hometown: Nelson County, Virginia
Class Year: 2002
Major: Psychology (graduate studies: Masters in Public Policy & Administration; Northwestern University)
How has Dickinson changed since you were a student?
While I was a student Dickinson really began to focus on increasing diversity within the student body, which had a profound impact on my personal and professional life. As a first generation college student, I am passionate about educational access and navigation of choice. Much of the work that I did in enrollment management and now in academic advising is connected back to that interest.
Where was your go to study spot?
The Waidner-Spahr Library had just been completed when I arrived as a first-year and became an immediate haven for me. My first year seminar was taught in the Library and over the years it was my absolute go-to study spot. As nerdy as it may sound, hanging out in the library was also a great social experience!
Many people look to you as a role model. Who are your own role models?
Terry Wells Vasold, my mother, who passed away when I was in college. From her I learned that it’s never too late to be the change you wish for in the world. As a single mother she made choices that weren’t easy or fun, but did everything she could to give her kids a firm foundation. In all she said and did she led with love.
Randy Vasold, who adopted me when I was 12, for believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself and always pushing me to lean in. Life did not turn out the way he ever planned or hoped for, but his faith never wavered. By choosing to love a child that was not his own, he demonstrated true and unconditional love.
Brenda Bretz, Senior Associate Provost, who has been an incredible professional mentor to me at Dickinson. She’s inspired me, through words and actions, and demonstrated that hard work and dedication to what one believes in can (and does) make a difference.
I have also been blessed to have great supervisors at Dickinson. Stephanie Balmer, former Vice-President for Enrollment, Marketing & Communications, my boss for many years, showed me that things don’t have to be perfect to be great. My current boss, Damon Yarnell, Dean of Advising, has shown me that work can and should be fun, that thoughtful and strategic creativity is valued, and that constantly asking questions makes all that we do better.
What is one thing that most people don’t know about you?
I was homeschooled until ninth grade.
What was the best class you took as a student?
Religion and Fantasy with Professor Mara Donaldson.
If you could travel anywhere where would you go?
Australia
What is one piece of advice that every Dickinson student should hear?
Be a self-advocate. You don’t have you know exactly what you want to do or how to do it, but talk to people. This place had my back through really tough times and there were faculty, staff and students who helped me connect the dots in ways that I could not have done on my own. People care deeply- let them help you make the most of the four years you have at Dickinson. By asking questions, you’ll be able to establish a plan that is both flexible and maximizes opportunities as you navigate life at Dickinson and beyond.
Finally, what has been the most enduring and/or useful part of your Dickinson education?
Dickinson taught me to work across difference, and for that I will be forever thankful.