1. What is your current role/title?
I currently serve as Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, Dean of Students and Interim Chief Diversity Officer.
2. Where did you earn your degrees and what did you study?
BA, Sociology, Stony Brook University,
MA, Higher Ed Admin, Chicago State University,
Ed.D. Education Leadership, DePaul University (June 2020 anticipated)
My dissertation research question is: Is there a relationship between cultural-based mentoring and academic persistence in African-American and Latinx male community college students?
3. How did your college/university support your success in earning your degrees?
As an undergrad, there was a clear disconnect between educational outcomes and equity. While I’m sure that there were programs and services geared towards student success at Stony Brook University in the early 90’s, as a first-generation, low-income student, those programs weren’t very well advertised. Also, as someone who immigrated from a foreign country, it was difficult for me to navigate the complexities of higher education as English was not my native language.
4. What excites you about equity work at your institution?
Being a catalyst for change that will ultimately impact every aspect of Governors State University.
5. In your role, how do you impact equitable outcomes for your students?
In my many roles, I clearly understand that diversity does not mean that all of my students are equal and as such, I need to be more intentional in creating spaces to ensure that students truly feel supported. Additionally, coming together as a community (faculty, students, staff and external stakeholders) to discuss how to invest in structures that will best support our students.