Over the summer, Dawn Singleton, Ed.D., joined the University’s Student Experience division as the new vice president of student transition, access and inclusion. In this role, Dawn oversees New Student Programs, the Intercultural Collective (consisting of the Disability Cultural Center, LGBTQ Resource Center and Multicultural Affairs), 113 Euclid, 119 Euclid and the Center for International Services. Additionally, she will work to support the experience of the University’s graduate and professional students as well as lead the Student Experience division’s efforts surrounding diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) in tandem with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. The Peel sat down with Dawn to ask her some fun and insightful questions so you can get to know her a bit better!
Q: What do you hope to accomplish in your new role here?
A: My hope is to expand upon the work already being done to demonstrate our commitment to fostering a University welcoming to all. I will continue to create and develop initiatives that center the voices of our students as well as opportunities that will enhance their belonging, success and engagement.
Q: What motivated you to join the Orange family?
A: A few things! The forward-thinking leadership of the University, the unmatched school spirit and, lastly, my conversations with Senior Vice President and Chief Student Experience Officer Allen Groves. His experience transitioning to the Orange family was relatable and a key factor. Allen spoke highly of the welcome he received to the University by colleagues and students. His commitment to students and their experience was unequivocal and that played a pivotal role in my decision.
Q: How has your research on gender, ethnicity and culture influenced your professional roles?
A: Through my research, I have gained a great deal of perspective on how each of these constructs affect a person’s identity and their lived experiences. This understanding has been critical to the roles that I have had on different campuses. My research influences my cultural awareness—the lens in which I teach others to develop respect and empathy for others. Ultimately, it is one of the factors that guides the work I do to create opportunities for students to have meaningful interactions on campus while celebrating differences as well as our similarities.
Q: What’s your favorite spot on campus?
A: Can I have more than one? If so, that would be Hendricks Chapel, 113 Euclid and 119 Euclid. While not an exhaustive list, I think all these spaces represent why I came to Syracuse—the University’s commitment to the holistic experience of each of our students.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice that you have received?
A: That tidbit was in a framed quote given to me as a young professional working in Residence Life: “Students don’t care what you know until they know that you care.” — John C. Maxwell
Q: What is your most favorite book and why?
A: That’s a hard one! I am an avid reader with a large home library. That said, I have too many favorites. But I am currently rereading “We Need New Names” by NoViolet Bulawayo. It is a coming-of-age story about a young girl who moves from South Africa to the U.S. and it’s written so beautifully. The novel tells the story of how we must establish new ways of imagining our realities as we experience the ebbs and flows of life.
Lightning Round: This or That?
Football or basketball? Football.
Fall or spring? Fall, y’all!
Coffee or tea? Tea.
Ocean or pool? Ocean.
Watch a movie at home or in a movie theater? In a movie theater.
Now that you know a little more about Dawn, help her get to know you! Be sure to stop and say hello if you see her around campus this semester.