This week, Steven Robertson sits down with Teon Austin, Director of Inclusion and Belonging at the Marquette University School of Dentistry — a TRIO alum whose journey embodies resilience, belonging, and purpose.

Teon shares how Upward Bound Math Science (SAMS), EOP-SSS, and his years as a counselor shaped his leadership. He reflects on 11+ years at Cardinal Stritch and the lessons he now applies in the Dental School through cultural humility, diversity, representation, and student-centered leadership.

This episode encourages anyone passionate about equity, education, and building environments where people can thrive.

Key Themes:
• Cultural humility & competence
• TRIO pipeline: UBMS → SSS → professional leadership
• Transformational student support
• Representation in higher education
• Belonging, identity, and leadership