Kevin McCarthy was born and raised in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He earned a B.S. in Human Services Counseling and an M.S.Ed. in Counseling with a concentration in Higher Education from Old Dominion University. Attending a college right after high school appeared to be WHAT EVERYONE ELSE WAS DOING so Kevin ventured on to do so. After one year, he realized quickly that college was not a strong fit as a full time job and travel became his focus. Two years of soul searching landed Kevin as a student again at a local Community College and so he began his journey towards a life-long career in higher education. Kevin began his professional employment as a graduate assistant providing career advice to business students as they began to explore job placement opportunities. After working at Old Dominion University for two years, he landed a job at Tidewater Community College and his passion quickly fell into place. This transition forever changed Kevin’s reality on education as he witnessed the powerful influence the community college can have on students as they persist through the many challenges of life. Working in admissions, advising, teaching, a year as Interim Dean of Students and now energetically employed as the Coordinator of First Year Success Kevin continues to find humor, excitement and new challenges every day at his work. Now a happily married man of two spirited toddlers Kevin brings a refreshing outlook on how to stay happy, motivated and engaged in the workplace. We all have unique stories and Kevin believes through sharing our experiences we are better able to connect as we grow together in the world of community college education.

TYFY: Two Year First Year is a 501c3 public charity dedicated to sharing best practices among programs that support first year students at two year colleges. TYFY: Two Year First Year was created in 2013 by two year college professionals who recognized the special challenges inherent in engaging first year students at their institutions. Higher education institutions share the same goals of social and academic integration; retention and success; health and well-being. While the goals are the same, most two-year colleges have fewer resources and less time with students. Most two year colleges are not residential and many do not have athletic programs. Our students are older and more likely to face significant external demands such as children and families, and full time work. Two year colleges are often stations on the way to transfer institutions or new careers. A research project by Sharon Smith, formerly of the North Carolina Community College System office indicated a desire to create a new organization. This new organization would dedicate itself to sharing best practices and informing the staff charged with creating programs to support first year students. Since then, members have gathered from around the country to build the organization and hold a first TYFY conference in Virginia in 2015.