North Carolina Central University’s vice chancellor for the Division of Student Affairs, Angela Coleman, Ed.D.’s unwavering commitment to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) has led to recognition from the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA).
Coleman received the Region 3 Outstanding HBCU/Minority Serving Institution (MSI) Professional award for demonstrating exemplary leadership and commitment to higher education institutions which serve minorities.
The Brooklyn, N.Y., native is an accomplished leader in higher education who brings passion, energy, and vision to NCCU’s Division of Student Affairs.
“When students attend an HBCU like NCCU, they are making a deliberate choice about the type of experience they are seeking,” Coleman says.
As a first-generation college student, Coleman is an advocate for students from low-income families, fellow first-generation students, and students with disabilities. Throughout her career, she has worked to encourage policymakers, educators, and the public to improve educational opportunities for all. She has also researched student retention and the impact of pre-collegiate academic outreach programs on student success.
During her first year at the university, Coleman took time to look inward to become familiar with the division and how each department works together for the benefit of the students. She also used her time to reflect and become better acquainted with the university culture and its goals and mission.
Providing students with resources to support them professionally and develop them personally is a key priority, she says.
Coleman’s current goals in her new role include building a division that leads with integrity, clear communication, humility and fairness. She aims to mentor and develop her team, especially young professionals. Coleman also desires enhance the student affairs professional working environment and implement standards for the division to uphold.
As a seasoned student-affairs professional, she has worked to ensure that the Division of Student Affairs instills a culture of providing exceptional student experiences. She began her career working with the Federal TRIO programs, followed by progressive leadership roles in student affairs at major universities.
Coleman is an advocate for self-care and advises for those interested in getting involved in higher education to establish a network.
“Finding a core group of individuals for professional and emotional support, as well as learning to invest in yourself first, will help professionals avoid burn-out,” she advises future student affairs professionals.
She is an active member of several organizations including: the American College Personnel Association, the Southern Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel, Jack and Jill of America Inc. and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
Nationally recognized for her leadership in higher education, Coleman has been named a Doctoral Fellow by the Association for Institutional Research and as a Melvene D. Hardee Fellow. In 2015, she completed training with the NASPA Aspiring Senior Student Affairs Officers Institute. Most recently, she was selected to participate in the first cohort of the University of Pennsylvania Minority Serving Institutions Aspiring President’s Institute.
She describes working with students as her passion that produces great rewards.
“The impact of my efforts is greater at an HBCU than at any other institution,” Coleman says.
