Montana Technological University’s Theresa Rader has been elected the 2021-22 Council for Opportunity in Education’s secretary. Rader is the Director of TRIO Support Services with the Institute for Educational Opportunities at Montana Tech. She joined the team at Montana Tech in 2009 as TRIO Coordinator for Butte. She has served in her current role since 2015.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to represent the TRIO students and professionals of Montana Tech, Montana, and the nation as a member of the COE Board,” noted Rader. “I believe every young person and adult should have an equal opportunity to prepare for, attend, and graduate from a post-secondary educational institution. As a board member, I will have the opportunity to advocate for opportunities in education for students who are the first in their families to go to college, income-eligible, and students with disabilities. I’m excited to roll up my “Butte Tough” sleeves and get to work!”
The Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) is a nonprofit organization, established in 1981, dedicated to furthering the expansion of college opportunities for low-income, first-generation students and students with disabilities in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., the Pacific Islands, and Puerto Rico. Its membership includes more than 1,000 colleges and agencies.
Representatives on the COE Board are from all ten regions. The Executive Board, which includes the Board Chair, Board Chair-elect, Past Board Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary, is elected by the representatives of the regions. Rader will begin her two-year term on the Executive Board in September 2021.
Rader also serves as the Past-President of ASPIRE, INC, a regional association serving Montana, Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Utah. ASPIRE increases the educational and success opportunities for low-income and first-generation college students through advocacy, professional development, and legislative awareness.