Polygence blog / Meet our Mentors

Staff Spotlight: Devon MacIver

2 minute read

Devon MacIver joined the partnerships team at Polygence in November 2023.

Devon was drawn to Polygence for its distinctive approach that empowers students to explore their intellectual curiosity on their own terms. As a former Assistant Dean of Admission and Independent College Counselor, he recognizes the profound impact such experiences can have on students.  According to Devon, working with Polygence is like a boot camp for students' executive functioning skills, allowing them to delve into their motivations, uncover their individual strengths, and identify areas for growth. Devon believes this heightened self-awareness becomes invaluable as students navigate the challenges of their first year in college.

A little about Devon:

I hail from a small town in western Massachusetts; you probably haven’t heard of it. After earning my undergrad degree at UMass Dartmouth in Political Science I went on to earn a Master of Science degree in Applied Educational Psychology from Northeastern University. Post-graduate school, I took a position at Roanoke College and lived in Southwest Virginia for a couple of years; in 2009 to take a role at Occidental College, moved to Los Angeles and never left. I've worked at different schools and explored neighborhoods across LA over the years but currently reside in the Valley with my husband, 5-year-old daughter, and dog. In my free time, I enjoy baking and listening to audiobooks on Libby. 

I transitioned from my role as an Associate Dean at Claremont McKenna College to become a stay-at-home dad in 2021. To stay connected with higher education, I drew on my experience as the Assistant Dean of Admission at Occidental College and joined The Princeton Review as a part-time College Counselor. This allowed me to blend my passion for education with the new lens of being a parent myself. Leveraging my knowledge from student engagement and admissions, I offered personalized guidance to students and families navigating the college application process, further enriching my understanding of their diverse needs. This unique journey has provided me with a comprehensive, 360-degree perspective on the admission process.

I am thrilled to join the Polygence team and look forward to connecting with our valued partners. 

In 2024, I am intellectually curious about the growing trend of “gentle parenting” and the potential impact on the younger generation.