Asha Sneed, MA

As an Exploratory Advisor, Asha looks forward to helping students identify the unique pathways GMU can provide and tailor their academic journeys to their needs. Her passion for higher education began in the Division of Students Affairs at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) in New Haven, CT. There she obtained her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology with a minor in English and a Masters of Arts in Psychology. She also served in several student-focused capacities that allowed her to engage in work that fostered students’ sense of belonging, advocate for their needs, and provide support to students facing academic and interpersonal challenges.

Asha’s professional student affairs experience began in SCSU’s University Access Programs Office where she mentored prospective high school seniors during the summer academy, Southern Educational Opportunity Program (SEOP). While completing her undergraduate degree, she continued this work as an Academic Success Coach at the university’s academic support center, served as a Resident Advisor, and peer mentor coordinator. As a Master’s student, she oversaw one of the nine residential communities of approximately 170 first-year students where she had the pleasure of creating an environment conducive to the development of their academic, social, and personal growth.

Her transition from residence life into advisement allows Asha to exercise her awareness of all contributing factors to student success at a higher education institution and how wellbeing comes into play in the lives of students. Her purpose as an Academic Advisor at George Mason University is to center support on the needs of students through intentionality, emotional and cultural sensitivity, and create value surrounding the use of advisement to drive students’ success and retention.