The University of Miami’s Office of Multicultural Student Affairs has added an additional assistant director to its team.
Stephanie Nuñez, a native of the Dominican Republic, began her new position with the University last semester and looks forward to working with the Hispanic and Latino population on campus and in the greater Miami community.
“I’m super excited to be able to continue working with students and ultimately helping to create a better community for our students of color, making sure that they feel like they belong on campus and that they have the support that they need,” said Nuñez.
Previously, she served as a counselor and coordinator for the New York State Education Department’s Higher Education Opportunity Program at Marymount Manhattan College in New York City.
In her new role, Nuñez plans to provide what she calls “holistic advising”—a focus on the “whole” student. She also plans to assist students in developing new opportunities and programs to combat “imposter syndrome”—a psychological term used to refer to an internal experience one may feel when they believe they aren’t as competent as their peers.
“Working in higher education, I have seen how important it was for students to have a network and a support system,” explained Nuñez. “Although my degree is in marketing, I realize that my true passion is helping students.”
Nuñez received her bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at New Paltz in 2016 and brings with her a unique background in working with diverse populations. She described herself as an optimistic and vibrant personality who enjoys helping students identify their strengths and skills. She also sees herself as a resource and advocate for students as they pursue their degrees.
Nearly four months into her role, she has hit the ground running and began supervising the Latin Leadership Council, a unified community within the Latino and Hispanic student population.
“A year from now, I definitely want to see the Latin Leadership Council grow. So I want to see students from all disciplines come get involved and get connected,” said Nuñez. “I want our students to have an even greater network than we already have.”
The new assistant director said that she is here at the University to grow and help in every way needed. Nuñez attended several virtual and in-person events last semester to introduce herself to the campus community. Her favorite, by far, she stated, was Homecoming.
“My previous school never had Homecoming, so that was a completely new experience for me,” she declared. “The spirit, the fireworks, and seeing so many alumni come back and visit the MSA office really shows how this office makes an impact on students’ undergraduate life.”
Christopher Clarke, director of Multicultural Student Affairs, is thrilled to have Nuñez join the department.
"We are grateful to University leadership, specifically Drs. [Patricia A.] Whitely and [Renee Dickens] Callan, for their efforts to elevate the work of MSA,” said Clarke. “The addition of Ms. Nuñez, along with the financial resources provided by the president's office and the Division of Student Affairs, demonstrates our commitment to creating enhanced spaces for belonging at the U."
When they were presented with the opportunity to expand their office, it was imperative for Clarke and Kennedy Robinson, assistant director, to identify someone who not only has a wealth of experience but also someone who could connect with the Hispanic and Latino student population, as well as first-generation and other diverse student groups, Clarke pointed out.
“We are excited about the future of MSA and look forward to engaging our students for years to come,” said Clarke.
