East Texas A&M stands out because of its strong academic programs that are designed to not just teach, but to help you connect what you’re learning to your future career.
Katrina Watkins Senior Director of Advising Team
- Alum
- Staff
Division of Academic Affairs and Provost
Katrina Watkins has worked in advising for over 18 years. She started as a freshman advisor and success coach at a university college and has transitioned over the years to become a leader in academic advising. She received her bachelor's and master's degrees in social work from East Texas A&M.
Watkins lives in Commerce and enjoys spending time with her friends and family in the area. She currently has four grandchildren and one on the way, who fill her life with joy! Watkins is an avid reader and enjoys traveling and exploring parts of Texas and Arkansas. She loves live music and attends concerts regularly with friends.
A Conversation with Katrina
How do you help students in your current role?
I oversee all of East Texas A&M’s undergraduate academic advisors. We are now centrally located in the Velma K. Waters Library, along with student transition and support and the money management center. We work together as a student success team to provide resources and support to help students be successful.
What do you believe makes East Texas A&M a standout choice for students?
East Texas A&M stands out because of its strong academic programs that are designed to not just teach, but to help you connect what you're learning to your future career. We have a wide range of resources right here on campus to support you throughout your college journey. One of the things that makes us unique is our focus on student success—we’re committed to helping you thrive, both academically and personally. You will have access to college life coaches and peer mentors who can guide you on time management, study strategies and how to adjust to college life. If you ever need help with finances, our money coaches are available to assist you with understanding financial aid, student accounts, budgeting and planning for your future. Our Department of Student Career Preparedness is also here to support you in figuring out if you're in the right major and understanding how your major connects to your career goals. Plus, our academic advisors are dedicated to making your transition from high school to college as smooth as possible, ensuring your academic needs are met. The best part is that the entire campus works together to address your individual needs and is always ready to offer you outstanding support!
Why is it important for students to get involved on campus?
Getting involved on campus can be a game-changer for your college experience. It's a great way to meet new people, make lasting friendships, and build connections that can help you succeed at East Texas A&M. I know that not everyone feels comfortable jumping into clubs or taking on leadership roles and that's completely okay! Sometimes, simply attending campus events can be an easy and fun way to connect with others. You might even start recognizing classmates outside of the classroom, which can make it easier to strike up conversations. Plus, making new friends could lead to study buddies and partners for other activities and events. College is a unique time to meet people from different backgrounds and those connections can really enrich your experience!
What kind of education or training prepared you for this role?
My background in social work has shaped how I approach advising and leadership. In many ways, social work and advising are very similar. Both roles focus on understanding the individual's needs and challenges, and then helping connect them with the right resources. Just like in case management, as an advisor, I work with students to identify what's going on in their lives and how we can address those challenges to help them succeed here at East Texas A&M. I believe this perspective helps me better support students and ensure they have what they need to thrive both academically and personally.
Do you prefer eating out or cooking at home?
I really enjoy cooking and baking, especially when I can share it with my family. One of our favorite traditions is having a big family dinner every Sunday night. It's a time for us to unwind, talk about our week, and just enjoy each other’s company. We also like to play card games together afterward—it's a fun way to relax and make memories. Cooking at home brings us closer, and it’s a great way to make lasting traditions!
Education
- M.S.W., Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2007
- B.S.W., Texas A&M Univerity-Commerce, 2006