Dian Brown-Albert, director of student academic and curricular initiatives, in her office at Engleman Hall on April 2.
Over the past school year, many students have noticed a shift in the Multicultural Center. Former Director of MCC, Dian Brown-Albert, has stepped into her new role as director of student academic and curricular initiatives.
After nearly two decades leading MCC, where she fostered student success and drove transformative programs, she now brings her wealth of knowledge and passion to shaping innovative academic strategies at the university.
“During that time, I dedicated my heart and soul to supporting our students, faculty, staff and to creating meaningful events that brought our campus community together,” Brown-Albert said.
Brown-Albert explained that her previous role was deeply focused on direct student engagement, where she was actively involved in programming, mentoring and advocating for students.
“It was more sitting at the table where you make an impact and support students of color,” Brown-Albert said.
She adds that her new position allows her to support students in a different way.
“It’s totally different from my past role,” Brown-Albert said. “I’m now looking at a lot of data to help students and enhance their success.”
She described her new position as more behind the scenes, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and teamwork with staff.
“I get the opportunity to connect with faculty across different departments to help support students,” Brown-Albert said.
This shift allows her to focus on fostering partnerships across various departments, in order to enhance both the academic experience and student success.
Subsequently, Brown-Albert said her overarching goal is understanding the retention and graduation rate of students.
She plans to achieve this by analyzing data to uncover trends and challenges.
“Looking at what are the top lowest courses that students aren’t doing so well in,” Brown-Albert said. “And then looking at the faculty as the experts to see what they think are the issues that are impacting student success.”
Brown-Albert said trends could be that multiple students that come from certain high schools often face more challenges in math courses.
After analyzing this data, Brown-Albert said her main goal is to find innovative ways to support students.
“It’s looking at how can we prepare them better before they come here?” Brown-Albert said.
Her transition highlights a continued dedication to empowering students and creating dynamic learning environments that pave the way for academic growth and achievement.
Brown-Albert said that as she watches the MCC grow and develop, students come and visit her, as the bonds she has formed with students remain strong.
“I’m walking in the hallway and I hear ‘Miss. Dian,’” Brown-Albert said. “It’s nice to see a smile on a student’s face and hear them just keep me up to date with what they’re doing.”
These visits are a testament to the connections she has made with students and the lasting impact of her mentorship.
“You are a mentor in that role and to some students I’ll always be that mentor,” Brown-Albert said.
Along with students she also said that she has had postitve interactions with staff as well.
As Brown-Albert adjusts to her new role, she said she is looking forward to creating more connections with faculty.
“I am excited about the opportunity to forge new connections and make a positive impact in fresh ways,” Brown-Albert said.
Brown-Albert, who took on her new role in July, said that she is excited for this new chapter.
She also said she plans to continue to contribute to the growth and success of the institution.
“It’s still a brand-new position and no one has held it before,” Brown-Albert said. “So I’m taking it one step at a time.”
