Meet the Archer Center Team
Washington, D.C., and Texas Staff
Katie C. Romano | Executive Director
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Katie Romano is the executive director of the Archer Center. Central to her role is the oversight of all programs and initiatives, staff and faculty, accounting and budgeting, fundraising and development, recruiting and marketing, Fellow selection, programmatic expansion, alumni relations, and Advisory Board involvement for the Center. Katie develops the strategic direction, goals, plans and policies for the Center and its programs to align with its mission statement: to educate the next generation of leaders. Prior to joining the Center's staff in 2006, Katie served as both a mentor for Archer Fellows and on the Friends of the Archer Center Advisory Board.
Previously, Katie was the research and development associate in UT System's Office of Federal Relations, where she identified competitive federal grant opportunities and federal funding for each of the UT Institutions, coordinated and facilitated Congressional visits and federal agency meetings for UT System administrators, researchers and faculty, tracked legislation and policies related to higher education; and planned special events, conferences and campus visits to aid UT System’s federal initiatives.
Prior to working for the UT System, Katie was the event coordinator for Mrs. Laura Bush on the Bush-Cheney ’04 Campaign, including the 2004 Republican National Convention. Following her role on the reelection campaign, she was a managing director of Bush Family Operations on the 55th Presidential Inaugural Committee, where she oversaw all Inaugural events and activities for President and Mrs. Bush’s daughters. U.S. Senator John Cornyn initially brought Katie to Washington in 2003 to serve as his constituent relations coordinator after his successful Senate race, where she worked in communications.
A native Texan, Katie is a third generation Longhorn and a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor of science with honors in communication studies and a major in political communication. She has completed graduate coursework at Johns Hopkins University and has a non-profit management certification from UT Austin. Additionally, she has served as an advance representative for the White House, the U.S. Department of State and the George W. Bush Presidential Library, where she traveled domestically and abroad to set up events for Mrs. Laura Bush prior to her arrival. She is active in a variety of non-profit and philanthropic organizations including the Dell Children's Council, the Elizabeth Ann Seton Board and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. She is a 2019 Frank McBee Fellow in Civic Entrepreneurship through the Austin Area Research Organization (AARO).
Email Katie
Katie Romano is the executive director of the Archer Center. Central to her role is the oversight of all programs and initiatives, staff and faculty, accounting and budgeting, fundraising and development, recruiting and marketing, Fellow selection, programmatic expansion, alumni relations, and Advisory Board involvement for the Center. Katie develops the strategic direction, goals, plans and policies for the Center and its programs to align with its mission statement: to educate the next generation of leaders. Prior to joining the Center's staff in 2006, Katie served as both a mentor for Archer Fellows and on the Friends of the Archer Center Advisory Board.
Previously, Katie was the research and development associate in UT System's Office of Federal Relations, where she identified competitive federal grant opportunities and federal funding for each of the UT Institutions, coordinated and facilitated Congressional visits and federal agency meetings for UT System administrators, researchers and faculty, tracked legislation and policies related to higher education; and planned special events, conferences and campus visits to aid UT System’s federal initiatives.
Prior to working for the UT System, Katie was the event coordinator for Mrs. Laura Bush on the Bush-Cheney ’04 Campaign, including the 2004 Republican National Convention. Following her role on the reelection campaign, she was a managing director of Bush Family Operations on the 55th Presidential Inaugural Committee, where she oversaw all Inaugural events and activities for President and Mrs. Bush’s daughters. U.S. Senator John Cornyn initially brought Katie to Washington in 2003 to serve as his constituent relations coordinator after his successful Senate race, where she worked in communications.
A native Texan, Katie is a third generation Longhorn and a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor of science with honors in communication studies and a major in political communication. She has completed graduate coursework at Johns Hopkins University and has a non-profit management certification from UT Austin. Additionally, she has served as an advance representative for the White House, the U.S. Department of State and the George W. Bush Presidential Library, where she traveled domestically and abroad to set up events for Mrs. Laura Bush prior to her arrival. She is active in a variety of non-profit and philanthropic organizations including the Dell Children's Council, the Elizabeth Ann Seton Board and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. She is a 2019 Frank McBee Fellow in Civic Entrepreneurship through the Austin Area Research Organization (AARO).
Dr. Michelle Chin | Academic Director
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Dr. Michelle L. Chin is the academic director for the Archer Center. She teaches the undergraduate policymaking class for the Archer Center, a class she has taught since fall 2014. Previously, she was senior researcher and policy analyst at the Learning Policy Institute. She is a former congressional staffer, working for more than eight years as an education policy advisor for U.S. Senator John Cornyn of Texas, and for four years as a policy advisor for U.S. Representative Joe Barton of Texas. She was assistant professor of Political Science at Arizona State University and served as program director of the Arizona State University Capitol Scholars Program.
Dr. Chin earned a Ph.D. and an M.A. in political science from Texas A&M University. She has a B.S. in political economy from Andrews University.
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Dr. Michelle L. Chin is the academic director for the Archer Center. She teaches the undergraduate policymaking class for the Archer Center, a class she has taught since fall 2014. Previously, she was senior researcher and policy analyst at the Learning Policy Institute. She is a former congressional staffer, working for more than eight years as an education policy advisor for U.S. Senator John Cornyn of Texas, and for four years as a policy advisor for U.S. Representative Joe Barton of Texas. She was assistant professor of Political Science at Arizona State University and served as program director of the Arizona State University Capitol Scholars Program.
Dr. Chin earned a Ph.D. and an M.A. in political science from Texas A&M University. She has a B.S. in political economy from Andrews University.
Dr. Stephanie Squires | Interim Director of Programs
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Dr. Stephanie Squires serves as the Archer Center’s interim director of programs, where she oversees the day-to-day programmatic operations of the Archer Fellowship Program and the Archer Center in Washington, D.C. Stephanie also provides internship search, student affairs, and student health and wellness support. Stephanie was an inaugural Graduate Archer Fellow in summer 2010 and interned at the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. She has gone on to serve as a mentor to Archer Fellows.
Stephanie has experience in student affairs, higher education, federal relations, and social work. Prior to joining the Archer Center, Stephanie worked as a social worker providing clinical services and case management to birth, foster, and adoptive families in Washington, D.C. For several years, Stephanie worked as the federal relations officer for Hampton University, where she educated federal representatives and congressional staff on aspects of the university’s research interests and capabilities and coordinated agency and congressional meetings for faculty and staff. She also developed federal funding agendas for the university, as well as facilitated workshops and presentations to deans, faculty, and senior level administrators concerning federal engagement, policy changes, and funding opportunities.
Stephanie has previously served as a student affairs administrator for the Volunteer and Service Center at The University of Texas at Austin, where she oversaw service-learning reflection, facilitated student leadership training, and advised student leaders in their coordination of community service and campus engagement programs. In this role, Stephanie provided programmatic direction to The Project, UT Austin's largest day of service and the Running of the Horns 5K Run/Walk Fundraiser.
A native Texan, Stephanie completed her undergraduate studies at Texas Southern University and graduate studies at The University of Texas at Austin in social work, respectively. She completed her doctoral studies at Hampton University in educational management. Stephanie homeschools her three children and enjoys baking, reading, hosting and thrift shopping, especially for classic literature.
Email Dr. Squires
Dr. Stephanie Squires serves as the Archer Center’s interim director of programs, where she oversees the day-to-day programmatic operations of the Archer Fellowship Program and the Archer Center in Washington, D.C. Stephanie also provides internship search, student affairs, and student health and wellness support. Stephanie was an inaugural Graduate Archer Fellow in summer 2010 and interned at the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. She has gone on to serve as a mentor to Archer Fellows.
Stephanie has experience in student affairs, higher education, federal relations, and social work. Prior to joining the Archer Center, Stephanie worked as a social worker providing clinical services and case management to birth, foster, and adoptive families in Washington, D.C. For several years, Stephanie worked as the federal relations officer for Hampton University, where she educated federal representatives and congressional staff on aspects of the university’s research interests and capabilities and coordinated agency and congressional meetings for faculty and staff. She also developed federal funding agendas for the university, as well as facilitated workshops and presentations to deans, faculty, and senior level administrators concerning federal engagement, policy changes, and funding opportunities.
Stephanie has previously served as a student affairs administrator for the Volunteer and Service Center at The University of Texas at Austin, where she oversaw service-learning reflection, facilitated student leadership training, and advised student leaders in their coordination of community service and campus engagement programs. In this role, Stephanie provided programmatic direction to The Project, UT Austin's largest day of service and the Running of the Horns 5K Run/Walk Fundraiser.
A native Texan, Stephanie completed her undergraduate studies at Texas Southern University and graduate studies at The University of Texas at Austin in social work, respectively. She completed her doctoral studies at Hampton University in educational management. Stephanie homeschools her three children and enjoys baking, reading, hosting and thrift shopping, especially for classic literature.
Christine Anderson | Assistant Director, Recruitment and Admissions
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Christine Anderson is the Archer Center assistant director of recruitment and admissions. She leads both recruitment and selection for the Archer Fellowship Program and Graduate Archer Fellowship Program. To this end, Christine works closely with Archer Fellowship Program campus coordinators and other campus partners across the UT System campuses to promote Archer Center programs and select Archer Fellows. Additionally, Christine works on Archer Center data management and student scholarships.
Prior to joining the Archer Center, Christine served as the Archer Fellowship Program campus coordinator for the UT Austin campus from 2014-2016. She also advised students pursuing certificates in Global Studies; Human Rights & Social Justice; Media, Culture & Identities; Public Policy; and Social Inequality, Health & Policy through the Bridging Disciplines Programs at UT Austin from 2008- 2016. In these roles, Christine offered guidance and practical help to students as they pursued their academic goals both in and outside of the classroom through challenging coursework and internships. She brings her passion for student success and student advocacy to her role with the Archer Center.
Born to a native Texan father and German mother, Christine has strong roots in both places. She graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor of arts in history and a master of arts in Middle Eastern studies. Christine enjoys hearing live music in Austin and the Texas Hill Country, loves traveling to Germany to visit family, and is the proud mother of a college senior at Texas A&M.
Email Christine
Christine Anderson is the Archer Center assistant director of recruitment and admissions. She leads both recruitment and selection for the Archer Fellowship Program and Graduate Archer Fellowship Program. To this end, Christine works closely with Archer Fellowship Program campus coordinators and other campus partners across the UT System campuses to promote Archer Center programs and select Archer Fellows. Additionally, Christine works on Archer Center data management and student scholarships.
Prior to joining the Archer Center, Christine served as the Archer Fellowship Program campus coordinator for the UT Austin campus from 2014-2016. She also advised students pursuing certificates in Global Studies; Human Rights & Social Justice; Media, Culture & Identities; Public Policy; and Social Inequality, Health & Policy through the Bridging Disciplines Programs at UT Austin from 2008- 2016. In these roles, Christine offered guidance and practical help to students as they pursued their academic goals both in and outside of the classroom through challenging coursework and internships. She brings her passion for student success and student advocacy to her role with the Archer Center.
Born to a native Texan father and German mother, Christine has strong roots in both places. She graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor of arts in history and a master of arts in Middle Eastern studies. Christine enjoys hearing live music in Austin and the Texas Hill Country, loves traveling to Germany to visit family, and is the proud mother of a college senior at Texas A&M.
Marcela Fuentes Anaya | Program Assistant
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Marcela Fuentes Anaya is a program assistant for the Archer Center. In this role, she works closely with the program coordinator and Archer Center faculty to provide support to Archer Fellows during their semester in Washington, D.C.
Marcela was a Spring 2021 Archer Fellow and interned with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. After completing the Archer Fellowship, Marcela served as an Alumni Ambassador to educate and recruit future Archer Fellows from The University of Texas at El Paso. That year the Archer Center received a record number of UTEP applicants. She has previously held campus positions as the Student Engagement and Leadership Center as a student engagement intern and conducted research under the supervision of Dr. Charles Boehmer as a research assistant with the Political Science department at UTEP. Marcela has policy and organizing experience after interning at the Office of U.S Representative Veronica Escobar (TX-16) and Voto Latino, a non-profit organization.
Marcela has recently moved to Washington, D.C., to continue her studies and support the Archer Center. She graduated in 2021 from The University of Texas at El Paso with a dual degree in political science and organizational and corporate communication. Marcela is pursuing her master's degree in foreign service at Georgetown University. In her free time, she loves reading a good novel, going to museums, listening to podcasts, and spending time with friends.
Email Marcela
Marcela Fuentes Anaya is a program assistant for the Archer Center. In this role, she works closely with the program coordinator and Archer Center faculty to provide support to Archer Fellows during their semester in Washington, D.C.
Marcela was a Spring 2021 Archer Fellow and interned with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. After completing the Archer Fellowship, Marcela served as an Alumni Ambassador to educate and recruit future Archer Fellows from The University of Texas at El Paso. That year the Archer Center received a record number of UTEP applicants. She has previously held campus positions as the Student Engagement and Leadership Center as a student engagement intern and conducted research under the supervision of Dr. Charles Boehmer as a research assistant with the Political Science department at UTEP. Marcela has policy and organizing experience after interning at the Office of U.S Representative Veronica Escobar (TX-16) and Voto Latino, a non-profit organization.
Marcela has recently moved to Washington, D.C., to continue her studies and support the Archer Center. She graduated in 2021 from The University of Texas at El Paso with a dual degree in political science and organizational and corporate communication. Marcela is pursuing her master's degree in foreign service at Georgetown University. In her free time, she loves reading a good novel, going to museums, listening to podcasts, and spending time with friends.
Laura Ferguson | Communications Manager
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Laura Ferguson is the communications manager for the Archer Center. She helps tell the Archer Center's story through the creation of marketing and digital content, including the center's website, print materials, and social media channels.
Prior to joining the Archer Center, Laura was a staff member at The University of Texas at Austin for twelve years, most recently serving on the communications team in the School of Undergraduate Studies. During that time, she also supported the Archer Fellowship Program as the university’s campus coordinator from 2018-2021. She comes to the Archer Center with a lifelong passion for supporting students through their journey from college to career.
Hailing from the Midwest, Laura graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a bachelor's degree in human development and family studies and received a master’s degree in counseling psychology from the University of Missouri. She enjoys baking, folk music, and has an impressive knowledge of Wisconsin cheese.
Email Laura
Laura Ferguson is the communications manager for the Archer Center. She helps tell the Archer Center's story through the creation of marketing and digital content, including the center's website, print materials, and social media channels.
Prior to joining the Archer Center, Laura was a staff member at The University of Texas at Austin for twelve years, most recently serving on the communications team in the School of Undergraduate Studies. During that time, she also supported the Archer Fellowship Program as the university’s campus coordinator from 2018-2021. She comes to the Archer Center with a lifelong passion for supporting students through their journey from college to career.
Hailing from the Midwest, Laura graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a bachelor's degree in human development and family studies and received a master’s degree in counseling psychology from the University of Missouri. She enjoys baking, folk music, and has an impressive knowledge of Wisconsin cheese.
Tatiana Marceleño | Program Specialist
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Tatiana Marceleño is the program specialist for the Archer Center. In this role, Tatiana supports alumni relations, student recruitment and admissions, and development initiatives. She will also oversee the Archer Center’s scholarship program.
Previously, Tatiana worked at Texas Christian University as the recruitment coordinator for the Center for International Studies. During this time, she advised students on study abroad programs, managed marketing strategies, and coordinated campus-wide events. Tatiana also served as an assistant in the TCU Office of Institutional Effectiveness, where she oversaw academic assessment for the university.
Tatiana received her B.S. in public relations from The University of Texas at Austin and completed her M.Ed in higher educational leadership from Texas Christian University in 2021.
Tatiana has traveled and studied across five continents and is always dreaming up her next adventure. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors and serving as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Email Tatiana
Tatiana Marceleño is the program specialist for the Archer Center. In this role, Tatiana supports alumni relations, student recruitment and admissions, and development initiatives. She will also oversee the Archer Center’s scholarship program.
Previously, Tatiana worked at Texas Christian University as the recruitment coordinator for the Center for International Studies. During this time, she advised students on study abroad programs, managed marketing strategies, and coordinated campus-wide events. Tatiana also served as an assistant in the TCU Office of Institutional Effectiveness, where she oversaw academic assessment for the university.
Tatiana received her B.S. in public relations from The University of Texas at Austin and completed her M.Ed in higher educational leadership from Texas Christian University in 2021.
Tatiana has traveled and studied across five continents and is always dreaming up her next adventure. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors and serving as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Valerie Hardy | Administrative Manager
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Valerie Hardy is the administrative manager for The University of Texas System Washington, D.C., office, which houses the Archer Center. Valerie played a key role in opening the Washington, D.C., office in 1999. Prior to joining UT System, Valerie served as an executive assistant for Wexler & Walker Public Policy Associates, one of the oldest lobbying firms in Washington, D.C.. She has intimate knowledge of Capitol Hill, along with the members and procedures, having spent five years working at the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee. Valerie is a graduate of the Washington School for Business. An active D.C. native, Valerie is heavily involved in community events, working with local charity events and her church. Valerie is a strong advocate for foster care and animal abuse prevention.
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Valerie Hardy is the administrative manager for The University of Texas System Washington, D.C., office, which houses the Archer Center. Valerie played a key role in opening the Washington, D.C., office in 1999. Prior to joining UT System, Valerie served as an executive assistant for Wexler & Walker Public Policy Associates, one of the oldest lobbying firms in Washington, D.C.. She has intimate knowledge of Capitol Hill, along with the members and procedures, having spent five years working at the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee. Valerie is a graduate of the Washington School for Business. An active D.C. native, Valerie is heavily involved in community events, working with local charity events and her church. Valerie is a strong advocate for foster care and animal abuse prevention.
Arisha Harrison | Program Associate
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Arisha Harrison is the program associate for the Archer Center. In this role, Arisha serves as a primary point of contact for housing and fellowship-related questions or events.
Arisha was a Summer 2021 Graduate Archer Fellow and uses her experiences as a previous fellow, housing director, resident assistant, and background in psychology to form meaningful connections with current Archer Fellows to improve their lived experience in Washington, D.C. Previously, she worked as an assistant residence director for The University of Texas at Arlington in the on-campus residence halls. In this role, she supervised 16 undergraduate students in their roles to foster a group-centered, community environment with an emphasis on academics, student responsibility, and personal decision-making while aiding students in the adjustment to the college environment.
Arisha received two bachelor's degrees in psychology and child learning and development from The University of Texas at Dallas and recently completed her master's degree in industrial and organizational psychology from The University of Texas at Arlington in 2022. She has recently moved to Washington, D.C. from Texas and enjoys discovering new parts of the city and culture. In her free time, she loves enjoying the arts, singing, working out, and binging shows on Netflix and Hulu.
Email Arisha
Arisha Harrison is the program associate for the Archer Center. In this role, Arisha serves as a primary point of contact for housing and fellowship-related questions or events.
Arisha was a Summer 2021 Graduate Archer Fellow and uses her experiences as a previous fellow, housing director, resident assistant, and background in psychology to form meaningful connections with current Archer Fellows to improve their lived experience in Washington, D.C. Previously, she worked as an assistant residence director for The University of Texas at Arlington in the on-campus residence halls. In this role, she supervised 16 undergraduate students in their roles to foster a group-centered, community environment with an emphasis on academics, student responsibility, and personal decision-making while aiding students in the adjustment to the college environment.
Arisha received two bachelor's degrees in psychology and child learning and development from The University of Texas at Dallas and recently completed her master's degree in industrial and organizational psychology from The University of Texas at Arlington in 2022. She has recently moved to Washington, D.C. from Texas and enjoys discovering new parts of the city and culture. In her free time, she loves enjoying the arts, singing, working out, and binging shows on Netflix and Hulu.
Billy Nguyen | Administrative Associate
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Billy Nguyen is the administrative associate in The University of Texas System Washington, D.C., office. He works closely with the academic director, program coordinator, and assistant director for student life to support Archer Fellows from admission throughout their journey to and in D.C. He helps to manage the Archer Center’s website and the Archer Fellow Alumni Association (AFAA) alumni database and platform, AFAA Connect, in addition to providing logistical, administrative and programmatic support to the Archer Center’s staff and faculty in Washington, D.C., and Austin.
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Billy Nguyen is the administrative associate in The University of Texas System Washington, D.C., office. He works closely with the academic director, program coordinator, and assistant director for student life to support Archer Fellows from admission throughout their journey to and in D.C. He helps to manage the Archer Center’s website and the Archer Fellow Alumni Association (AFAA) alumni database and platform, AFAA Connect, in addition to providing logistical, administrative and programmatic support to the Archer Center’s staff and faculty in Washington, D.C., and Austin.
Andrea Torres | Program Coordinator
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Andrea Torres is the program coordinator for the Archer Center, where she supports recruitment, outreach, student onboarding, and the Archer Center staff and faculty.
Prior to joining the Archer Center and upon receiving her B.A. in mass communication from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), Andrea began working with the UTRGV Career Center. There, she oversaw and coordinated the All In Internship Program, which helped UTRGV students based in Brownsville expand their horizons in paid internship searches and placements within the community. As part of her role, she worked closely with students in career education, including resume building and interview skills, and with local employers to determine their recruitment needs for interns.
A native of Brownsville, Texas, Andrea earned a Master of Public Affairs degree at UTRGV in 2020. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring the D.C. area since this is her first time working outside of the Lone Star state. She also enjoys landscape photography and experimenting with recipes that remind her of home.
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Andrea Torres is the program coordinator for the Archer Center, where she supports recruitment, outreach, student onboarding, and the Archer Center staff and faculty.
Prior to joining the Archer Center and upon receiving her B.A. in mass communication from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), Andrea began working with the UTRGV Career Center. There, she oversaw and coordinated the All In Internship Program, which helped UTRGV students based in Brownsville expand their horizons in paid internship searches and placements within the community. As part of her role, she worked closely with students in career education, including resume building and interview skills, and with local employers to determine their recruitment needs for interns.
A native of Brownsville, Texas, Andrea earned a Master of Public Affairs degree at UTRGV in 2020. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring the D.C. area since this is her first time working outside of the Lone Star state. She also enjoys landscape photography and experimenting with recipes that remind her of home.
