“My number one priority is making sure master's students feel like they have a community at Brown. Starting a master's program can be an exciting and daunting time. It's important to build a network for support and know where to find help when you need it,” says LaPolla.

She is excited to be in this new role and to offer dedicated support to master’s students. Her goal is for master's students to take advantage of the opportunities available to them at Brown and create important connections along the way. She is most looking forward to getting to know students and hopes they will stop by to say hello and to celebrate their successes. 

She has been impressed by the “close-knit, collaborative nature of Brown. It's clear that everyone is student-centered and eager to work together.”

Prior to arriving at Brown, LaPolla served as the Associate Dean of Student Experience at Simmons University and spent a significant part of her career at Northeastern University as the Associate Director of New Student Orientation. She completed her master’s in human development and psychology from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and her bachelor's degree in psychology from Boston College. She then went on to earn her doctoral degree in education from Northeastern University in higher education administration.