Last fall, President Phillips initiated a review of the IDEAA/Inclusion and Belonging unit, with specific attention to the Office of Equity Programming, which housed several of our most impactful scholars programs: The DeSousa-Brent Scholars, The Sum Primus Scholars (with Student Affairs), and the Landers Scholars.
I am especially grateful to Rafael Zapata, associate vice president of Inclusion and Belonging, whose partnership and leadership throughout this collaborative process helped shape these organizational changes. Together, we remained focused on advancing student success while ensuring these programs continue to reflect the College's values of access, excellence, and belonging and remain aligned with applicable local, state, and federal law.
As a result of that work, I am pleased to share several organizational changes that strengthen support for these important programs and more closely align them with the academic mission of St. Mary’s College.
Effective July 1, the Office of Equity Programming has been renamed the Office of Belonging and Signature Scholars Programs and is now part of the Division of Academic Affairs.
Located in Lucille Clifton House, the office will continue its longstanding mission of supporting the academic success, personal and leadership development of diverse, talented students who reflect the breadth of the St. Mary’s College student community.
In addition, the office will now oversee the Monument Scholars Program, bringing the College’s signature scholars programs under one organizational home and creating new opportunities for collaboration and student support.
I am pleased to announce that Michelle Carter has been appointed the inaugural Dean of Belonging and Signature Scholars Programs. In this role, Michelle will provide strategic leadership for the office and continue advancing programs that contribute to student success, retention, and leadership development, and will report to me.
Alise Maxie has stepped into an enhanced role as Assistant Director of Scholar Development and Multicultural Programming, and Dr. José Ballesteros, professor and chair of International Languages and Cultures, will stay for an additional year as Faculty Liaison to the office. The office will also continue to benefit from the expertise and institutional knowledge of Lisa Brown, Office Associate. A search for a new Program Coordinator is expected to launch in January 2027.
Our signature scholars programs have long played an important role in supporting student success at St. Mary’s College. Bringing these programs together within Academic Affairs strengthens our ability to connect academic excellence, leadership development, and belonging in meaningful ways. I’m excited to welcome Michelle and the team into Academic Affairs as we continue building on this important work.
Please join me in congratulating Michelle, Alise, José, and Lisa as they begin this exciting new chapter.
Sincerely,
Katie Gantz, Ph.D.
Provost and Dean of Faculty
St. Mary’s College of Maryland
