Meet the Region 3 Staff

Jean Ryan, Regional Coordinator

When I was in high school, I participated in a program similar to GEAR UP. It was called Upward Bound. I loved it. It helped me really see that college was a possibility through all the great activities that they had and the campus visits. I took advantage of everything they had to offer. And because I did, I not only earned my bachelor €™s degree, I also went on and received my Master €™s in Education.

I have spent many years working with kids of all backgrounds including foster children and kids in the process of adoption. I can imagine how difficult it must be sometimes to believe that you can go to college but we are here to help you! So, take advantage of us. Call us with questions. Ask us to take you to colleges to visit. Let us help you make your dreams come true. We look forward to it!

E-mail: jean.ryan@wichita.edu

Mario Porras, College Access Advisor

Mario has been with KK@GU since March 2005. He has enjoyed working for GEAR UP because he feels like he is giving back to the community. When Mario was in middle/high school he too was a part of a similar program to GEAR UP called Talent Search (a TRIO program). He says, € If it weren €™t for my Talent Search Counselor, I would not have gone to college; and if it were not for Student Support Services (another TRIO program) I wouldn't have made it in college € . He says he feels honored to be the one to help students realize their successes because it €™s something he greatly appreciated from his support circle when he was in school.

Mario has been an advocate for students for the past ten years. He says, € Every student has potential to grow into someone special and I hope to help as many as I can. €

Mario went to school for two years at Northwest Missouri State University (in Maryville, MO) but graduated from Emporia State University in 2004. He is currently working on his Masters degree at Baker University.

E-mail Mario: mario.porras@wichita.edu