Dave Urso was born and raised near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He lived in Philadelphia until leaving to attend college at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Dave received a Bachelor’s in Conflict Resolution and a Master’s in Educational Psychology from JMU. After graduate school, Dave spent 8 years working at Lord Fairfax Community College in Virginia. While working at LFCC, Dave completed a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Colorado State University. Currently, Dave works as the Dean of Life Sciences and Human Services at Blue Ridge Community College in Weyers Cave, Virginia. Dave has been teaching seminars and developing leaders for almost 15 years. In that time, he’s developed an approach that sets him apart. His naturally energetic and interactive style carries over into his sessions and makes listening to him a pleasure. No matter the context of your interaction, two things are pretty much guaranteed – he’s going to talk really fast and he’s going to do something unexpected.

 Dr. Kirk Nooks' bio coming soon.  

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.