Ypsilanti, Michigan, United States
As a Senior member working with a dynamic team in Student Affairs and DEI, I believe my role allows me to expand my appreciation and love of learning about generations and assisting students in understanding how they "fit" in, even when they don't understand who they are. As Title IX Coordinator and Disability Support Services - I am dedicated to ensuring all students have equitable access to their education be it in or out of the classroom. This also goes for ensuring my colleagues understand the best ways to legally and with best practices support our students as well. Exploring identities, diversity, culture, strengths, needs, goals, and passions are what I hope to instill on my students. Engaging with my colleagues across campus and organizing events that help everyone do their job are what I have goals of continuing to do as a higher education professional for my team. Although I have direct oversight, my ability to lead by trust and continual training and support for both students and staff is what makes me effective and thrilled to work alongside my teams. Being a leader, in my opinion is not about title, it is about what you do with it and the team working with you. I try to ensure my team always knows their ideas matter and that my job is yes to reach the overall institutional goals - but, I can only do that with a successful team. This is why as a leader, I follow Sanfords "Challenge and Support" theory. To ensure success of the overall goals while encouraging my team to be the best they can be with a little push, pull and of course gratitude. My favorite thing about my previous positions, specifically within Residence Life, is being able to work with those who are interested in becoming better advisers and supporters to their students. After receiving my Masters of Liberal Studies - Higher Edu. at Stony Brook University in 2010, I realized the importance of theory to practice and encourage everyone take the time to think about where things come from before just jumping in! This is why I continued with a second Masters in Educational Leadership which allowed a focus on social justice and understanding the intersectionalities of various cultures. I successfully defended my PhD dissertation proposal in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from UMass Dartmouth. I’m delayed to a pause related to COVID-19, but my dissertation is focused on creating a primer for institutions and students in navigating access and support due to pregnancy in certification programs such as nursing or education.
After serving in a Senior Administrator role for 1,300 adult learners at a 100% commuter institution for 6-years, I was honored to move home to be closer to family. I am currently lucky to serve approximately 14,000 students, faculty and staff ensuring a safe and welcoming environment free from sexual misconduct and/or sex-based discrimination as my original charge. Due to my experience and certifications in Disability compliance, I also began leading and transforming student disability services, which increased services from 5.4% to 8.3%. I was able to hire and train the new Disability Director and return to my original position in October 2025. Below are some selected accomplishments while at my alma mater, Eastern Michigan University. ● Redefined the roles, awareness, and responsibilities for the University within Title IX in the wake of a large lawsuit prior to my arrival. ● Increased Title IX visibility by advocating to move to a more central student focused location, which allowed students a more comfortable, yet private reporting opportunity. ● Developed and implemented new annual university focused student and employee training, both online and on-ground. Trainings are university specific and tailored to each department, student organization, or student identity. ● Due to the above and collaborations with Provost office, Faculty Development Center, Student Affairs, and General Bargaining Unions – mandated reporting has increased, and formal investigations increased from two formal investigations prior to my arrival to 15 by the end of my second year; 14 in the current academic year. ● Provided leadership for multiple academic programs in writing policy as it relates to supporting students with disabilities and pregnant and parenting students.
Oversight of Case Managers, Testing Lab, and entire Accommodation Process. I assumed this additional responsibility due to holding an ADA Coordinator Certification and have been serving in this role alongside my Title IX Coordinator role.
I have the pleasure of working with a strong and dynamic team to help with our retention and student experience goals. I oversee the departments of Academic Advising, Student Conduct, Student Success & Retention, and Student Life.
Strategically collaborate with various departments and academic leaders to carry out responsibilities and ensure successful implementation of Adult Learner enrollment, recruitment and accreditation processes. Serve as supervisor for over 19 staff members in a variety of departments and roles to ensure efficient and streamlined operations of Admissions, Financial Aid, Registrar, One Stop Service Center, Scholarships, Career Services, Academic Advising, Access & Accommodations, and Student Engagement. Skillfully managed an administrative and programmatic budget of $3 million. Served on President’s Council as leader in reorganizing enrollment goals, and recruitment strategies.
Direct oversight of all aspects of the 1st Year Admissions Experience Program - Pathways. This program is for students referred by Undergraduate Admissions who may need additional academic assistance throughout their first year of college. Students are provided Peer Mentoring, Faculty Advising, and multiple resources to help prepare them before they continue into their second year of study.
Facilitated successful operation of alternative admissions programs by carrying out admissions responsibilities, staff supervision and guidance, academic integration and instruction, administrative operations, budget management, and department specific needs. Provided supervision to 6 faculty advisors and 150-175 FYE students within the program, utilizing encouraging and supportive leadership approach. Enhanced new student experience through implementation of Lead Mentor and Peer Mentor support programs for social well-being of first year students. Served students and staff through advocacy and organization of documents, contracts, course proposals, job descriptions, schedules and academic advising responsibilities.
Oversee all of the first-year residential area, RHD staff, and LLCs.