Student Success Advising

Hi! My name is Christine Foster Cates. Before coming to AIC, I worked for 7 years in Alabama as a Transfer/Academic Advisor for Student Support Services at Gadsden State Community College, and in New Jersey at Raritan Valley Community College as an Academic Advisor. I received my B.A. in Communications from Utica College of Syracuse University and then because I loved my college experience so much decided, “How can I make this a career” and went on to get my M. Ed. in Student Development Administration from Seattle University as well as this past year received a post-master’s certificate from the University of North Georgia. I have worked in various capacities in higher education over the last 20 years, including Residential Life, International Services, and Disability Services I have also worked in Ecuador, South America as well as Atlanta, GA. I am excited to be here at AIC and look forward to helping you reach your full potential and find your path. In my free time I love to travel, garden, make creative things, and enjoy time with family and friends. I look forward to meeting you so stop by and say hi when you get a chance.

I’m from Lowell, Massachusetts and I now live in West Hartford, Connecticut. I received my B.S.E. From the University of Hartford and my M.Ed. at Merrimack College. I’m a big Boston sports fan! Specifically, I like watching football and basketball but I played Ultimate Frisbee and Rugby when I was in college. I like to stay active but on my downtime I love to listen to music or watch movies and I’m always open to new suggestions. I have always loved dogs but I recently got a cat named Tortellini!

I spent 20 years in law enforcement and love my family and sports. I have a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Southern Vermont College and am in the process of completing my M.S. in Sports Leadership and Coaching at Western New England University. I played baseball and basketball in college where I was a two-year captain for baseball and an All-Conference and D3 Northeast Region selection for baseball. I previously coached baseball here at AIC and was an advisor for student-athlete success. I have four college-aged children (three are triplets) and I understand the support needed to help students have a positive educational experience. My wife and I enjoy road trips and bike rides and love spending time with our family including our two Newfies, Tank and Kimber. I am a lifelong New England sports fan and listen to a wide range of music.