Mahala Bemis: Growing into Leadership at Charter College Vancouver
On a path toward a career as a speech therapist, Mahala Bemis got sidelined by what she thought would be a temporary job at Charter College in Vancouver, WA. That was nearly a decade ago—and she’s never looked back.
Since joining Charter in 2017, Mahala has gone from a student advisor to Campus Manager, building strong relationships and helping students take meaningful steps toward new careers. What began as a short-term opportunity quickly became a long-term passion where she commits herself every day to the success of her students, faculty, and staff.
From Speech Therapy to Student Success
Mahala earned her bachelor’s degree in communications sciences and disorders in her home state at the University of Oregon. During a gap year before graduate school, she was looking for hands-on experience in her field of study when a colleague told Mahala about a school she started working at just across the river. At the time, Charter College was seeking a talented student advisor to fill a vacant position.
“I had never heard of Charter College before,” Mahala says. “I just wanted to gain experience and maybe try something new.”
She joined the Vancouver campus as a Student Academic Advisor and even though she lacked some experience in higher education, that didn’t stop her from quickly finding her stride. As she worked closely with students, Mahala helped them stay on track academically while also offering support through personal challenges.
“Sometimes I felt like a therapist,” Mahala says. “Students go through so much outside of school. Being someone in their corner and helping them stay focused can make all the difference.”
That connection with students is what made her want to stay and grow with Charter College.
Becoming Campus Manager at Charter College Vancouver
After several years as an advisor, Mahala was encouraged by a mentor to apply for the Campus Manager role. In 2022, she stepped into the position, ready to take on a new challenge.
“It was intimidating at first,” Mahala says. “I was following someone I really admired. But I was also excited to grow and push myself.”
Today, Mahala oversees all aspects of the Vancouver campus. Her responsibilities range from supporting students and staff to managing daily operations and facilities.
“You really have to do a little bit of everything as a Campus Manager,” Mahala says. “One moment you’re helping a student, the next you’re solving a problem in the building. It keeps things interesting and that’s what I love about my job.”
Mahala’s experience as an advisor continues to shape how she leads. She says she acts as a motivator and encourages her team to do the same. They help students stay on track with their programs and connect them with resources. Mahala also acts as a support system, helping students navigate personal struggles along with their academics.
A Campus Culture Built on Connection
For Mahala, campus culture starts with the people. She believes that when faculty and staff feel supported, students benefit from that positive environment and are further encouraged to succeed.
“If my faculty and staff feel valued and supported, that energy carries over to the students,” Mahala says. “It creates a space where people want to be.”
Mahala places a strong emphasis on building relationships with instructors, recognizing the important role they play in student success.
“They are experts in their fields,” Mahala says. “Watching them teach and seeing how passionate they are is inspiring.”
Mahala also works closely with her team to ensure every student receives the support they need, especially those who may be struggling. That teamwork allows the campus to provide both accountability and encouragement.
“We support our students, but we also hold them accountable,” Mahala says. “That balance is what helps them succeed.”
What Sets Charter College Vancouver Apart
Having experienced traditional college settings herself, Mahala sees Charter College as something different. She says that the “level of commitment we have for our students really stands out against other institutions.”
Mahala says that she remembers what it felt like to be one of many students in a large lecture hall, without much personal connection. At Charter, the environment is much more personal.
“We get to know our students,” says Mahala. “We build real relationships with them, and we’re invested in their success.”
That connection often leads to meaningful moments. Mahala recalls being recognized by students during graduation and receiving personal thanks for the work she’s done to help students get to that finish line.
“When a student thanks you in their graduation speech, that’s everything,” Mahala says. “It shows the impact we can have.”
Creating Meaningful Moments at Charter College Vancouver
One of Mahala’s favorite parts of her job is preparing for graduation. While the event itself is a celebration, the work behind the scenes starts months in advance.
“There’s so much that goes into graduation,” says Mahala. “It’s always on my mind.”
She especially enjoys encouraging students to share their stories during the ceremony, even when they feel nervous.
“I tell them, ‘I don’t care how you present. I care about your story,’” says Mahala. “And every time, they do an amazing job.”
Why Students Choose Charter College
When asked why students should choose Charter College, Mahala keeps her answer simple: “Because it will change your life,” she says.
Mahala and her team at Charter College’s Vancouver, WA campus work hard every day to support, motivate, and prepare students for the future. If you’re ready to take the next step toward a new career, now is the perfect time to see what Charter College has to offer. Fill out the form or call 888.200.9942 to schedule a visit to the Vancouver campus today!