Emeka and I would like to start by thanking you all for joining us on this journey with Catalyst:ed as we unpacked some of the key areas impacting colleges/universities in the United States. There are countless barriers that negatively impact potential and current students on a systemic level, and through this work we’ve unpacked how institutions can work actively to ensure that students feel safe, seen, heard, honored, and supported throughout enrollment. On our final episode, we have the privilege of speaking with some of the dopest people uplifting academia, as they help us to better understand the role of academic advising and student support services, and provide us with creative ideas on how to support students from historically excluded communities who are most impacted when services don’t meet them at the intersection of their identities and lived experiences.

The Guests:

Melinda Anderson, Ed.D.

Melinda J. Anderson has worked in academic and student affairs in higher education for more than 20 years. Her leadership skills coupled with her passion and commitment to student success – especially in the areas of student transitions, persistence, and retention – have propelled her to the helm of a worldwide academic association.

In July 2021, Dr. Anderson was appointed Executive Director of NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising, which serves more than 15,000 members globally. As NACADA Executive Director, Anderson is responsible for directing all the Association’s initiatives including its strategic efforts, professional development for members, programming, content creation, enhancing NACADA’s consulting services, member engagement and growth, and defining its research agenda. In addition, Anderson holds a teaching position in the Kansas State University College of Education’s Leadership in Academic Advising doctoral program.

Dr. Anderson graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication and a Master’s in Adult Education. She earned her doctorate in Higher Education Administration from the College of William and Mary. Originally from Northern Virginia, Anderson currently resides in Manhattan, Kansas.

Kayla Nelson

Kayla Nelson is a Psychology major with a concentration in Child and Family studies pursuing double minors in Sociology and Women/Gender studies. As a junior at Roosevelt University, she enjoys spending time being involved in campus programs such as the McNair Scholars Program, the Mansfield Fellowship Program, SSS STEM, MCTC, and CASSAC. She hopes to further her education and one day become a therapist for children and adolescents.

Carl Hunter

Carl Hunter is the Assistant Director of Student Equity and Inclusion at Roosevelt University. His schooling includes a B.S. The emphasis in History, a Minor in Ethnic Studies from Illinois State University and is currently enrolled in the M.A. Conflict and Mediation program here at Roosevelt. Carl is an experienced higher education administrator, leader, motivator, and mentor who is dedicated to ensuring that students reach their highest level of success. His compassion and love for people is what drive his passion for educational success. His motivation is inspired by an “Operating with Excellence” attitude and lifestyle which he pursues daily. He is excited to be a part of this awesome orientation team again and he's grateful to see all the wonderful new students in person this year. Fun fact: I am a first-generation college student