Meet the Team

Pronouns: He/Him/His

I’m honored to be the founding executive director of the McCree Center for Life Success at Mary Baldwin University.  The Center strives to offer comprehensive wraparound student services in a dynamic hub of centralized, holistic, and personal support for life design and ongoing professional and career preparation for all Mary Baldwin students.  At Mary Baldwin, the McCree team and I will focus on creating partnerships, employment pipelines, and career readiness opportunities for all organizations and companies. 

I have over 22 years of experience in career services and workforce development, including leadership positions at the Illinois Institute of Technology and the University of Illinois at Chicago.  Before that, I spent 11 years at Northwestern University in various capacities in career services.  Mary Baldwin’s mission of student empowerment, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to career readiness is why I’m so proud to be here now.  

Regardless if you live on campus or study online, the McCree Center is here to support you.  

On behalf of the McCree Center leadership team, our new staff, and Mary Baldwin University, welcome and know that your future success is our priority. 

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

My name is Christina Harris and I love helping people!

While my degrees in Philosophy and Library Science have led me to academic librarianship, I have discovered another passion connecting “knowledge to access” through career development. I have the unique experience of being a student (c/o 2014) and an instructor, and my personality is an asset when connecting with others in various stages of life by building bridges of understanding. For me, career services are an extension of library services. Helping students with research for their papers/projects prepares them to search for answers in the world; while teaching students personal and professional development teaches them how to take those answers and turn it into reality. As a society, we should be long gone with the notion of having to bear the brute of life lessons alone. With information overload extinguishing our desires to think critically, we must trust in something or someone to help get you passed the finish line.

Interested in an internship or microinternship? I am here to help with that:

• Take this survey to connect with a CDA about internship opportunities

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

As a recent graduate of Mary Baldwin University with a Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences and a minor in Psychology, I am thrilled to have embarked on a fulfilling journey as a valuable member of the university’s team. In my new role, I am dedicated to guiding and supporting incoming students as they navigate their academic and personal pathways at Mary Baldwin.

Drawing upon my own experiences and the knowledge I gained during my time as a student, I am committed to easing the transition for new enrollees and assisting them in finding their own sense of direction within the university’s vibrant community. With a deep understanding of the challenges that can arise as one enters higher education, I am excited to provide mentorship, resources, and advice to empower students to make the most of their time here.

My academic background in Psychology equips me with valuable insights into human behavior and motivation, enabling me to connect with students on a meaningful level. Through open communication, empathy, and a genuine desire to see each student thrive, I am enthusiastic about contributing to the growth and success of Mary Baldwin students.

Interested in an internship or microinternship? I am here to help with that:

• Take this survey to connect with a CDA about internships

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Hi! I am Rachel Hirsh, Senior Director of McCree at Mary Baldwin University. I recently finished my Ph.D. where I studied technology’s effect on humanity through the #MeToo movement. I have a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s in educational leadership, so you can say I love education! At McCree, I am working on building opportunities for experiential learning to compliment your classroom experience. I am also here to help answer any questions! Interested in an internship or microinternship? I am here to help with that:

• Take this survey to connect with a CDA about internships

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

I was born and raised in Staunton, Virginia. I came to Mary Baldwin University as an undergraduate to learn Japanese and study abroad. During my junior year, I had the opportunity to spend a semester abroad in Kyoto, Japan attending the Japanese Studies Program at Doshisha Women’s College of Liberal Arts. This experience helped me to improve my Japanese language ability and fully immerse myself in Japanese culture. After graduating from MBU, I enrolled at Old Dominion University to pursue a Master’s in International Studies where I broadened my intellectual interests beyond Asia and became passionate about international education. I am excited to be leading international education initiatives and teaching Japanese here at MBU.

Pronouns: He/His/Him

As a faculty member, I love helping my students connect our classroom conversations with real world experiences. At the Spencer Center, we’re here to help cultivate engaging, unique, and life-changing programs for students that not only make their time at MBU memorable, but also help reveal their professional skills and passions.

This is also the heart of my research, which explores the intersection of social activism and the marketplace. I ask how people blend their work with their advocacy, and what kinds of strategies they utilize to keep a balance between profit and purpose. I love to engage students in these kinds of questions as they consider their futures beyond Mary Baldwin, and help prepare them for careers in which they can do good and do well.

I’m currently an Assistant Professor of Sociology, and teach classes about inequality, race + gender, and food systems. When I’m not on campus talking about Karl Marx and Emile Durkheim, you can probably find me enjoying the food scene in downtown Staunton, or out for a hike with my partner and our three kids.

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Having recently joined the McCree Center for Life Success team at Mary Baldwin University in
February of 2024, I bring a wealth of experience to my role as a Career Design Advisor. Before
my tenure at Mary Baldwin, I served as the JobStarter: Advanced Manufacturing Training
Program Coordinator at Blue Ridge Community College, where I played a key role in shaping
workforce development initiatives.
Prior to my community college role, I held diverse positions that showcased my versatility and
commitment to education. I served as a Business and Information Technology Teacher at George
C. Marshall High School, providing students with essential skills for the modern workplace.
Additionally, I brought my financial acumen to the table as a Financial Planning Assistant/Office
Manager at ING Financial Advisors as well as contributing to academic administration as the
Assistant Standards of Learning School Test Coordinator at Lake Braddock Secondary School.
My commitment to continuous learning is evident in my professional development engagements.
I hold certifications in the Microsoft Office Suite 2019, the Career Readiness Certification
through WorkKeys, and the Wise Financial Certification. Additionally, I am licensed with the
Series 6 Investment Company/Variable Contracts Representative, the Series 63 Uniform
Securities Agent State License and the Virginia Life and Health Insurance License.
I am a proud alumna of the University of Virginia, where I earned my Bachelor of Science in
Business Management from the McIntyre School of Business.
With my multifaceted background and dedication to professional growth, I feel that I am a
valuable asset to the Mary Baldwin University community, empowering students to navigate
their career paths with confidence.