Meet Dr. Susan R. Burns, president of the University of Mount Saint Vincent in the Bronx, New York City. A first-generation college graduate herself, Burns is leading the university into the future of what higher ed should look like — an authentic, high-quality education for students of all backgrounds. Under Burns' leadership since 2021, the Mount is a Hispanic-and-minority-serving institution.

Don’t miss the conversation as Burns and host Diverse host David Pluviose explore innovative strategies and the holistic approach that the University of Mount Saint Vincent uses to meet the needs of today’s diverse student population. Amid the challenges facing higher education, Burns highlights the critical role of support and proactive counseling in ensuring student success and graduation. To help students graduate debt-free with an associate degree, the Mount provides essential resources, including free breakfast and lunch, laptops, books, dedicated faculty, a social worker, and career certificate options.

Tune in to learn how The Mount addresses students’ financial barriers through diversity initiatives and efforts to promote social mobility.

KEY POINTS:

- Burns’ journey as a first-generation graduate

- Challenges in choosing an affordable college institution

- University of Mount Saint Vincent’s efforts to increase accessible and affordable higher ed

- Foster care: About the Mott Street Scholarship program for students

- The importance of services beyond financial aid, like childcare and food assistance

- Effectiveness of intrusive counseling and proactive support for students

- The Mount’s mission and values in fostering a supportive community

- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts at The Mount

- Burn’s advice to colleagues facing DEI concerns, and ways to promote them

- Key focus: Vision on strategic plan, growth, access, and student success

- Expansion of online programs, partnerships, and initiatives like the Center for Leadership

QUOTES:

"We really work very hard to make finances not a barrier for our students. And then we work with students when they get here to make sure that they're taking advantage of work-study." - Dr. Susan R. Burns

"If you don't want to be known, then we're not the place for you. We really get to know our students, and it is the way that we can proactively make sure that those students keep their eye on the ball — realize that they're here for a reason — and that reason is ultimately degree completion." - Dr. Susan R. Burns

RESOURCES:

University of Mount Saint Vincent

Come to Believe Network

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In The Margins is produced by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education and edited by EPYC Media Network (visit at https://www.epyc.co/).

In this episode, we sit down for an insightful conversation with Sarita E. Brown (president) and Deborah A. Santiago (CEO) of Excelencia in Education. Together, they discuss the organization’s mission and its transformative journey over the past two decades.

As co-founders, Brown and Santiago reflect on their decision to create Excelencia with a vision to amplify the Latinx voice in higher education policy. Over the years, the organization has evolved from a focus on providing data and research to forging impactful partnerships with institutions to drive meaningful change. Both emphasize the critical role of trust, intentionality, and shared vision in their leadership model.

Tune in, hear inspiring success stories, and learn more about the Presidents for Latino Student Success Network and recognition for exemplary practitioner-led programs. This episode also explores opportunities for partnerships with civic and community organizations beyond the higher education sector and navigating equity work post-2024 election.

Moderated by Diverse host Ralph Newell, join us as we celebrate two milestones—Excelencia in Education’s 20th anniversary and Diverse’s 40th year—gaining valuable insights into the ongoing efforts to advance equity and success for Latino students.

KEY POINTS:

- Meet the co-founders of Excelencia in Education, learn how they started

- The strategic plan — data & research, evidence-based practices, and leadership

- Mission to drive positive attention to effective programs and practices

- Overcoming infrastructure challenges

- The future of higher education and Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs)

- Adapting to policy changes and new administration

- Financial aid impact on Latino students

- Ensuring the Seal of Excelencia remains a valuable tool for institutions

RESOURCES:

Our Story | Excelencia in Education

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Closed captioning and live show transcription are available in the video for this episode.

In The Margins is produced by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education and edited by EPYC Media Network (visit at https://www.epyc.co/).

In this episode we welcome Dr. Angel Pérez, CEO of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC).

Listen in as Pérez and Diverse host Ralph Newell delve into the potential implications of the 2024 election on federal education policies, focusing on the challenges faced by underrepresented students. Pérez emphasizes the critical need for equitable access to higher education, and the importance of supporting mental health for students and professionals.

Pérez also explores NACAC's response to the recent Supreme Court rulings affecting college admission policies. Highlighting the organization’s efforts to sustain diversity and equity through strategic partnerships with community organizations.

Don’t miss this timely discussion on a whole host of issues surrounding admissions, leadership and DEI advocacy in higher education in today’s political landscape.

KEY POINTS:

- Impact of the 2024 US Presidential election, especially for underrepresented students

- NACAC's vision for supporting mental health issues on college campuses

- Key steps to address concerns on the Department of Education’s potential elimination

- Growth plan: NACAC’s creation of the Center for Reimagining College Access

- The need for support from corporations, foundations, and a "Coalition of the Willing"

- Perez's journey and how it shaped his approach to equity in higher education

- AI in the admissions process

- NACAC's efforts to help colleges maintain diversity and equity

- DEI progress in higher education and its challenges

-Remembering Frank Burtnett, former NACAC executive director and Diverse contributor

QUOTES:

“We are not only moving forward, we are determined to build what we’re going to need. This is my call to action – we're going to need a coalition of willing organizations.” — Dr. Angel B. Pérez

“It's going to be really important that corporations and those that have resources get involved, because we need to think about these issues, not just through a college access perspective, but through a workforce development perspective.” — Dr. Angel B. Pérez

RESOURCES:

Dr. Angel B. Pérez

NACAC - Meet-the-team

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In The Margins is produced by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education and edited by EPYC Media Network (visit at https://www.epyc.co/).

In this episode, we share a replay of the October 8th roundtable discussion "Justice for Marcus Garvey."

Presented by Broadleaf Books, in partnership with the African American Literary Book Club, The Harlem Writers Guild, and Diverse, this discussion is a tribute to and a rallying cry for one of the preeminent champions of Black pride and self-determination. Join Marcus Garvey’s son, Dr. Julius Garvey along with: Alyssa Miller (moderator), Diane Richards, W. Paul Coates, Dr. Goulda Downer, Safiya Parker-Norman, Rev. Yvonne Hawkins, and Dr. Ayo Sekai.

Discover how the “Black Is Beautiful” movement has been influenced by Garveyism and learn more about the new book Justice for Marcus Garvey: Look for Me in the Whirlwind, which features a foreword by acclaimed author Ta-Nehisi Coates.

Tune in as panelists keep the flame of Marcus Garvey's legacy alive and inspire the next generation of social justice activists.

KEY POINTS:

- How Garvey's philosophy of Pan-Africanism, emphasizing the dignity and unity of the African diaspora, inspired later civil rights and independence movements.

- How the Negro World newspaper and the Black Star Line shipping company demonstrated Garvey’s vision for economic self-determination and independence for Black communities.

- The legal case against Garvey, which resulted in his conviction for mail fraud in 1923, was seen as a politically motivated attempt to undermine his influential movement.

- Ongoing efforts preserve Garvey’s legacy and the need to correct historical injustices.

- The pivotal role of scholarship, publishing, and archiving Garvey's works.

QUOTABLES:

“Marcus Garvey articulated a particular philosophy that was African based in terms of the autonomy and the sovereignty of African people in terms of their history, traditions, and culture. The world at that time, certainly, the country at that time was basically quite racist… Capitalism is a racist economical system. It's built on the backs of African people." – Dr. Julius Garvey

"We will not lose courage. We will not lose faith. We will go forward and take advantage of every opportunity and where there's none, we will make it for ourselves." - The Honorable Marcus Garvey; as quoted by Paul Coates

GUEST RESOURCES:

Justice for Marcus Garvey: Look for Me in the Whirlwind with a foreword by Ta-Nehisi Coates | Julius Garvey (Editor), Ta-Nehisi Coates (Foreword)

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Closed captioning and live show transcription are available in the video for this episode.

In The Margins is produced by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education and edited by EPYC Media Network (visit at https://www.epyc.co/).

In this episode we sit down with Michael Heim, the Director of Migrant Education Student Access & Support (MESAS) at Washington State University Pullman (WSU).

Heim has overseen both the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) and the High School Equivalency Program (HEP) at WSU for seven years. Under his leadership, WSU CAMP has been selected as this year’s Example of Excelencia at the baccalaureate level.

Created in 2005 by Excelencia in Education, Examples of Excelencia is a national initiative that identifies and promotes evidence-based practices improving Latinx student success in higher education.

Tune in as Heim, and Diverse host Ralph Newell, dive deep into the inner workings of the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP), which supports students from migrant and seasonal farm working backgrounds during their first year of college.

WSU’s CAMP serves a cohort of Latinx students annually, focusing on retention through evidence-based practices that positively impact these students' educational journeys. Despite its successes, the conversation also explores the challenges CAMP faces, such as the need for continued support beyond the first year and the role of community partnerships in sustaining student success.

This is the third feature in our series of four schools being recognized in 2024 by Excelencia in Education. In case you missed it, check out our prior episode featuring this year’s Example of Excelencia at the associate level: Getting to Know the EAP program at Reading Area Community College episode.

KEY POINTS:

- WSU emphasizes diversity, focusing on its growing Latinx population.

- CAMP supports students facing challenges, leading to a 10% higher graduation rate.

- More funding could further boost CAMP’s retention and graduation outcomes.

- How Heim’s work with CAMP has shaped his views on education access for underserved groups.

- Ongoing support from K-12 to higher ed is vital for migrant students.

- The University of Idaho tragedy underscores the need to validate student concerns and build trust.

- WSU and University of Idaho CAMP programs foster community among migrant students.

QUOTABLES:

“CAMP is a program specifically designed to help students who come from a background in migrant and seasonal farm working to have success during the first year and transition into their second year. – Michael Heim

"The stronger the foundation for that student, the more successful they'll be later." – Michael Heim

"The goal is to really serve the state as a land grant institution. We've noticed that at least one sector is kind of growing pretty quickly and that population is our Latinx student population." – Michael Heim

GUEST RESOURCES:

Michael Heim

Examples of Excelencia | Diverse: Issues In Higher Education

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In The Margins is produced by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education and edited by EPYC Media Network (visit at https://www.epyc.co/).