Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Gabrielle McAllaster.
Hi Dr. McAllaster, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey has been deeply shaped by my family and educational experiences. I was raised in Denver, Colorado, in a low-income, single-mother household alongside my three siblings. From an early age, my mother instilled in me a deep appreciation and respect for education, and a belief that I could exceed the limitations I often placed on myself. Her unwavering support and love became the quiet force that gave me the courage to pursue my aspirations with conviction, even when the path ahead felt uncertain or beyond reach. Throughout my life, I have been deeply committed not only to advancing my own education, but also to paying it forward by co-constructing meaningful opportunities for others to thrive. I earned my M.A. in Higher Education and Student Affairs and went on to complete a Ph.D. in Education with a specialization in Higher Education at Rowan University. For over eight years, I’ve worked to promote student success and well-being by centering the student experience in everything I do—grounded in empathy, adaptability, and a commitment to action and connection.
Currently, I serve as Director of the Financial Wellness Center at the University of Utah, where I lead with a holistic approach to financial education and well-being. In this role, I bring together my professional expertise and a deep-rooted passion for education. I firmly believe that financial wellness is an essential pillar of overall well-being. My work is dedicated to advancing systems of higher education that foster personalized pathways, holistic support, and strong, engaged communities as students navigate their personal, academic, and professional journeys.
Outside of work, I enjoy practicing yoga, spending time in nature, and making memories with my family and our beloved dogs.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a smooth road by any means. I’ve encountered many obstacles along the way, but I’m genuinely grateful for each of them. These experiences have shaped me into a more compassionate and empathetic leader—someone who not only understands instances of struggle, but who is committed to supporting and working alongside others through theirs.
Pursuing my Ph.D. was a time of profound growth, but also deep isolation, especially being far from my family. During that period, I faced a series of personal hardships: health challenges, the loss of loved ones, and even natural disasters that disrupted life in unexpected ways. It was not only academically demanding, but emotionally and mentally exhausting. Still, I recognize that I had access to supports—through community, mentorship, and institutional resources—that many others do not. Those anchors provided comfort and stability during incredibly uncertain times, and I carry a deep sense of responsibility to pay that forward. That responsibility drives my commitment to mentorship, guidance, and simply showing up for students to be seen, heard, and supported.
One of the personal challenges I continue to navigate is anxiety, which manifests in quiet, persistent struggles that often go unseen. To cope, I rely on affirmations, journaling, and yoga. Affirmations help ground me and challenge self-doubt, while journaling offers space to process, reflect, and reconnect with myself. Yoga helps me stay present in my body, release tension, and find moments of stillness amid the noise. These powerful practices are essential to how I care for my mental and emotional wellness.
Ultimately, my lived experiences and lessons learned throughout my career fuel my passion for (re)imagining higher education as a place where every student, staff, faculty, and community member feels genuinely supported. I am committed to building systems that honor individual journeys and cultivate the care, connection, and community we all need to truly thrive.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As the Director of the Financial Wellness Center at the University of Utah, I lead efforts to promote the center, develop strategic plans, and expand our impact across the campus community. I also meet directly with students and their support systems—such as family members or partners—to provide individualized financial counseling. I am an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC), a certification that equips me with the knowledge and skills to offer tailored financial education and guidance. This certification allows me to meet with individuals where they are, helping them build a strong financial foundation, clarify their goals, and work toward lasting financial well-being. What sets my work apart is its emphasis on care and connection. Financial wellness is not just about budgets or balances—it’s about people’s lived experiences, values, and hopes for the future. I strive to create a space that honors the full humanity of each individual, recognizing that financial experiences and decisions are intertwined with lived experiences, cultural backgrounds, and the broader social realities people navigate every day.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the incredible team we have at the Financial Wellness Center. I work closely with our Associate Director, Beth Hunsaker, and Program Coordinator, Elsa Osborne, both of whom are also Accredited Financial Counselors (AFCs). Together, we bring shared commitment and multidisciplinary expertise to supporting our campus community. We’re also fortunate to collaborate with an outstanding group of graduate students, peer well-being ambassadors, student advocates, interns, and volunteers. Together, our team is deeply committed to going above and beyond in supporting students and fostering a welcoming, financially informed campus community.
Our services for University of Utah students include: financial counseling, credit counseling, educational workshops, engaging community events and programs, and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) Tax Clinics. It’s truly a collaborative effort grounded in care, creativity, and the belief that financial wellness is a vital part of student success and overall well-being.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was naturally shy and reserved. However, my mother consistently encouraged me to step beyond my comfort zone and embrace new opportunities. Thanks to her support, I took part in a wide range of activities—from dance styles like ballet and Irish step dancing to sports such as volleyball, softball, and swimming, as well as outdoor adventures like hiking and horseback riding. These experiences helped me build a strong sense of community but also played a vital role in shaping my personal growth and resilience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://financialwellness.utah.edu/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielle-mcallaster
