SE Valley Times

As a student services analyst on Rio Salado’s Student Engagement and Recruitment Team (SERT), Kayte Vucurevich assists students in navigating online college. She takes pride in helping both current and potential students engage with the institution.

“SERT works with current and potential students to join and/or stay engaged with Rio,” Vucurevich said. “I help students with everything from walking them through the admissions process, enrolling in classes, and connecting them with resources to be successful.”

Vucurevich is particularly enthusiastic about promoting the benefits of online learning. “The flexibility of Rio’s classes and programs provides so many opportunities for nontraditional students and students needing special help that their current schools don’t provide,” she said.

Her role involves numerous personal interactions, often serving as a sounding board or life coach for students. She recounted an experience where she assisted a student who relocated to Arizona to escape a violent stalker. “It took weeks of collaborating with multiple departments and community resources to get the student enrolled and stable enough to try a class,” Vucurevich recalled.

When asked for advice, Vucurevich emphasized advocacy and organization. “Get comfortable being an advocate for yourself and your future,” she advised. “There is absolutely nothing wrong with asking for help and expecting to be treated with respect. Also, take advantage of the technology available to stay organized and efficient in completing your coursework.”

Vucurevich joined SERT nearly four years ago after teaching Psychology 101 at Luke Air Force Base for Rio Salado. Outside work, she enjoys spending time with her dogs Ziggy, Winston, and Vader; practicing Japanese taiko drumming; or dancing various styles like belly, fusion, and hip hop.

She also frequents local eateries such as El Norteno for Mexican cuisine or Old Town Sarajevo for Balkan food in Phoenix. Her travel aspirations include visiting distant places: “I really look forward to the day when I can do a tour of the Balkans or a whiskey tour throughout Scotland,” she shared.

Despite these ambitions, Vucurevich appreciates staying close to home too. “I was born and raised in Phoenix, but my dad’s family is from Bisbee. I spent so much time there growing up that it also feels like I’m an honorary resident.”