Program Director, Aggie ACHIEVE
Dr. Olivia Hester is the Program Director for Aggie ACHIEVE. She received her Ph.D. in Special Education from The University of Alabama. While at Alabama, Dr. Hester worked for several years as both a special education transition teacher and a graduate research assistant for the CrossingPoints Transition Program. CrossingPoints is located on The University of Alabama campus and is a similar postsecondary program to Aggie ACHIEVE. Dr. Hester is responsible for oversight of all key elements of Aggie ACHIEVE, such as day-to-day operations, student recruitment and screening, collaborating with faculty in academic departments, fostering campus and community partnerships, and addressing any issues that arise. Dr. Hester’s research interests include exploring the social justice issues of access and participation by youth with significant intellectual disabilities in the community, postsecondary education, and employment. She also studies the use of evidence-based strategies in supporting youth with intellectual disabilities in reaching desired employment outcomes in inclusive settings.