The Kolbe School of Innovation and Professional Studies dedicates staff and resources to providing high-quality, in-demand associate degree programs, which set students up for success in growing career fields. Kolbe has launched six new associate programs in applied science since 2019 – cybersecurity, network technology, electronic technology, general business, alcohol and drug counseling and Pragmatic Studies.

To further help students with their college journey, The Kolbe School announces the appointments of a Success Coach and an Admissions Counselor, Chianti R. Grantham and Justo Garcia '12.

"We are delighted to welcome both Justo and Chianti to UST,” Dean of The Kolbe School Nicole McZeal Walters said. “As our newest staff members dedicated to working with the Kolbe School, they couldn't have come at a better time. Justo has the exciting 'charge' to bring post-secondary students to us, and Chianti will work hand-in-hand with our team to provide individualized coaching and support services. These resources are additional measures we are investing in to provide a quality, student-centric experience for our scholars."

Meet Chianti Grantham, Success Coach

Chianti Grantham brings her enthusiasm and experience as a Student Success Coach from Lone Star College. Grantham holds a Bachelor of Arts in English with a Minor in Communications and a Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in Management.

She sees her new role as vital during these transitional times. "Not only are we living amid a pandemic, but we are also living in times of uncertainty and unrest,” Grantham said. “I want to serve as my students' consistent, go-to person, but more specifically, I want to eliminate all potential barriers that could prevent them from being successful.”

As Success Coach Grantham described her work as retaining the students in their respective AAS programs, helping them navigate through college, maintaining communication with the students, faculty and staff, and providing needed resources and tools.

"I want students to know that we are here to support them and make them feel like this is not only their school but their community," she said. "I want AAS students to understand that I am here to assist them in any way I can, so please do not hesitate to contact me at granthc@stthom.edu

Meet Justo Garcia '12, Admissions Counselor

Justo Garcia ’12, who holds a degree in psychology, is a proud alumnus of UST. "To wear the UST crest pin on my lapel as an alumnus, a first-generation graduate, and as someone who faced numerous obstacles to get his degree, means the world to me. Having the opportunity to help students access a good education is priceless.”

Garcia will recruit UST students to The Kolbe School as he promotes the associate programs through outreach. He will assist and support prospective students through the application process and review their materials post-submission.