Hailie Mentz
Director of TRiO
Hailie was a first-generation college student from a low-income background. She grew up in the rural town of Maysville, MO, which had a population of only 1,000 people. She graduated from Northwest Missouri State University with a double bachelors in International Business and Marketing, followed by a Masters of Business Administration.During her undergraduate studies, Hailie interned at a digital marketing firm in Dublin, Ireland for 2 months. This was her first time on a plane, let alone out of the country. It’s something she never thought would be possible due to being a first-generation, low-income student. Accomplishing this made her passionate about helping others realize that they can achieve their goals, too, despite the background they come from.
When she’s not helping students accomplish their dreams, Hailie likes to binge-watch a good TV series, go to concerts, try new restaurants, and travel to new places.
Oliver Monk
TRiO Advisor
Oliver is a first-generation college student that was raised by a single-mother from a low-income background. He grew up on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi in Biloxi, but has moved all over the country including places like Chicago, IL; Orlando, FL; Memphis, TN; and, lastly, Klamath Falls, OR. He graduated with honors as the local Phi Theta Kappa Chapter President from Klamath Community College with an Associate of Science degree. He transferred to Southern Oregon University to continue his education in Environmental Science with a focus on marine ecosystems. He is hoping to one day achieve his PhD in the field.
While in high school, Oliver was active in the culinary arts program. During his sophomore year, he won an award against other local eateries when competing in the Gulf Coast Community Cookoff for his homemade crab dip. While he did not continue pursuing culinary arts as a profession, his passion for cooking and baking has not wavered. Any chance he gets, he loves cooking for those around him!
During Oliver’s free time he likes to play video games, read books, watch horror movies, and spend time outdoors hiking with his dogs.
