Our Team

Staff

Dr. Janice Odom

Director

Janice is responsible for the direction, health, and vibrancy of the Caldwell Fellows program and the service it renders to NC State and beyond. Janice has faculty standing in the Department of Counselor Education and has served as Director of the Caldwell Fellows since 2003. 
Fun fact: Janice enjoys a midday gym break.

Office: 919-515-0558

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Dr. Chester Brewer

Associate Director

Chester manages program communications and supports the development of experiential education opportunities for students. He has an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from East Carolina University. His research interests include place-based learning and diversity and inclusion in the outdoors.

Fun fact: Chester once facilitated a 14,500-mile experiential learning road trip around the United States.

Office: 919-515-2976

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Victoria Vass

Operations Coordinator

Victoria is a 2015 Public Policy graduate from UNC Chapel Hill. With a background that includes two terms in AmeriCorps and experience as an operations coordinator for a nonprofit dedicated to homelessness prevention, she brings a wealth of experience in community service and organizational management. Victoria enjoys playing board games, hiking, dancing, and indulging in movie nights.

Office: 919-515-3837

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Anne Powers

Alumni Engagement Coordinator

Anne serves as the part-time Alumni Coordinator. A 1990 NCSU Caldwell Fellow with a degree in Math Education and Statistics, she also holds an MS in Counselor Education from UNCG. Her career includes roles at the Merit Awards office, as Vice President for Training and Development at Wachovia, and establishing UNCG’s Leadership and Service Learning department. Recently, Anne helped compile a book of letters for Dr. Hawkins, strengthening her connection with many Caldwell alumni.

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Dr. Gerald Hawkins

Director Emeritus

Dr. Gerald Hawkins directed the Caldwell Fellows for 34 years, providing wise and attentive counsel to the formation of three decades of students, establishing the reputation embodied by the Caldwell Fellow name.

Home: 919-781-8168

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Val Ryba

Student Worker

As a student worker, I assist with program events, and communications, and serve as a liaison between the students and the program staff to ensure that everything runs smoothly. My goal is to gain practical experience while contributing to meaningful projects that make a difference.

When I’m not studying or working, you can find me in the outdoors backpacking, reading, or dreaming about what’s next.

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The operational model of the Caldwell Fellows mirrors its philosophy, where leadership is widely shared. Dedicated volunteers staff major components of the program, their in-kind contributions of time and expertise embodying the model of servant-leadership.