Assumption University Names Brenda Hunt as Director of ALANA and First-Generation Student Success

WORCESTER, Massachusetts – Assumption University named Brenda Hunt as Director of ALANA and First-Generation School Success. While leading the University’s Cross-Cultural Center and its portfolio of educational and social initiatives, Hunt will support ALANA (African American, Latino, Asian, Native American) and first-generation students by facilitating access to campus resources and retention efforts that impact graduation rates of minoritized students at Assumption.

“It’s essential that a community, such as ours at Assumption, consider the differences among the individuals who make up the community,” Hunt said. “The fact that we are all different is the one thing we all have in common. In addition to supporting the learning, growth, and formation of our students who identify as ALANA and first-generation, my goal is to help make caring an action among students, not something that is passive.”

Hunt joins Assumption from Providence College, where she most recently served as senior associate director of the Office of Residence Life and Housing. In addition to providing supervision and development to a multiethnic staff, including full-time salaried administrative staff, graduate assistants, and student staff, Hunt was also responsible for student conduct administration, behavioral intervention team facilitation, talent acquisition, professional development and training, and Central Office operations for Residence Life and Housing.

“I am delighted that someone of Brenda’s talent and distinguished experience has joined us to help Assumption become a fully inclusive University—one that welcomes, embraces, and supports every member of the community,” said Greg Weiner, Ph.D., interim president of the University. “I am grateful for the work Brenda is already doing and will continue to do to make Assumption a more inclusive place.”

Previously, Hunt served in a range of student affairs roles at the University of Notre Dame, Purdue University Calumet (Northwest), and the University of Wisconsin-Parkside.

In her new role at Assumption, Hunt will develop and lead access and retention initiatives such as cross-campus collaboration efforts, mentoring programs, student success coaching, and multicultural education and programming. Hunt holds an M.A. in Educational Leadership from Eastern Michigan University and a B.A. in Applied Arts from Central Michigan University. 

ASSUMPTION CROSS-CULTURAL CENTER              

The Cross-Cultural Center promotes multicultural awareness and educational programming for the Assumption community to support and complement the University’s mission and its commitment to diversity. The Center serves as a resource for students, staff, and faculty. It is an inclusive and safe space for students to come and explore their identities and learn about other races, cultures, and religions. The Cross-Cultural Center staff works in partnership with faculty and staff to develop programs that enhance cross-cultural understanding and emphasizes human dignity, solidarity, and the importance of working toward justice for all people.

ABOUT ASSUMPTION UNIVERSITY

Assumption University, founded in 1904 by the Augustinians of the Assumption, is New England’s premier University for high-quality education, integrating career preparation and education of the whole person, drawing upon the best in the rich and centuries-long tradition of Catholic higher education. Assumption, located in Worcester, Massachusetts, seeks to provide students with a transformative education that forms graduates with critical intelligence, thoughtful citizenship, and compassionate service. The University offers 34 majors and 49 minors in the liberal arts, sciences, business, nursing, and professional studies, as well as graduate degrees and professional certificate programs. For more information about Assumption University, please visit www.assumption.edu.