Founded in 1947, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMUCC) is an expanding, doctoral-granting institution committed to preparing graduates for lifelong learning and responsible citizenship in the global community. TAMUCC is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, creative activity and service. Its supportive, multicultural learning community provides undergraduate and graduate students with a challenging educational experience. Federally designated as a Hispanicserving institution (HSI), TAMUCC’s strategic location on the Gulf of Mexico offers many advantages for gaining national and international prominence. Vice President Don Albrecht leads the Division of Student Engagement and Success, comprised of 65 full-time and five part-time staff members across many departments, including career services, the counseling center, disabilities services, health services, judicial affairs, recreational sports, the university center & student activities and university housing, to name a few.
Diversity and inclusion are guiding principles of the Division of Student Engagement and Success at TAMUCC. Celebrating diversity and its many benefits also leads staff to recognize how power, oppression, marginalization and privilege operate both in society and on campus. As a result, staff are encouraged to participate in a variety of professional development opportunities that offer tools or skills for working effectively with students. Dr. Jacqueline Hamilton, director, recreational sports, shares: “[It’s] much more than just promoting awareness of equity, diversity and inclusion. [It’s developing] the competencies and resources to embed equity, diversity and inclusion into programming, services, student employment and student development to make them active processes.” At TAMUCC, and especially within the division, diversity and inclusion are core tenets of excellence and success. Staff members enjoy many benefits of employment, including competitive salaries, caregiving leave, educational leave and flexible work schedules. Employment benefits also reflect a deep commitment to social justice. Senior Director of Student Life Lisa O. Perez remarks: “At [its] core, it’s about respect and unconditional human worth; treating each other as valued members of our community; [and] commit[ment] to being inclusive, fair, equitable and non-discriminatory in all of our practices.”