LaTonya (LT) Robinson serves as the Senior Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). She provides leadership to ten Student Affairs departments focused on delivering vibrant campus life experiences through intentional engagement, student advocacy, leadership opportunities, and wellbeing services. Ms. Robinson values honesty, effective communication, competency, and humor and activates these characteristics to build teams and collaborate with campus partners on innovative strategies that support student development and retention. Additionally, she is a first-generation college student and is passionate about and committed to increasing first-generation access and extending equity efforts at UTSA and beyond. Ms. Robinson arrived at UTSA in July 2017 as the Director of Student Life Initiatives in Student Life with more than 18 years of experience in student affairs. During her time at UTSA, Ms. Robinson also served as the Assistant Dean of Students and Student Leadership Center Director, and Interim Dean of Students and Student Leadership Center Director, until June 2019, when she was appointed to her current role. Prior to UTSA, she served as a Program Manager, Area Manager, and Hall Coordinator at The University of Texas at Austin and as a Residence Hall Coordinator at East Carolina University. After earning her bachelor's degree at Sam Houston State, she earned a master's degree from Western Illinois University. Ms. Robinson is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated, Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society, and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. She is also pursuing an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership at Abilene Christian University online. Connect with LT online at DOS@utsa.edu and Twitter @UTSADoS.

Dr. Zak Foste is an Assistant Professor in the Higher Education Administration program at the University of Kansas. He received his Ph.D. in Higher Education and Student Affairs from The Ohio State University, his M.S. in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Miami University, and his B.A. in Sociology and Political Science from Western Illinois University. His research examines issues of diversity and equity in higher education, with particular attention to the ways in which whiteness structures college and university campuses. This work explores both white students' relationship to, and understanding of, race and whiteness as well as the consequences of whiteness in the lives of Students of Color at historically white colleges and universities. His work has been featured in the Journal of College Student Development, Review of Higher Education, and the Journal of Diversity in Higher Education, among others. He is the recipient of the KU School of Education and Human Sciences Early Career Promising Scholar Award and is the co-editor (with Dr. Tenisha Tevis) of the forthcoming book Towards a Critical Whiteness Praxis in Higher Education and Student Affairs (Stylus).

Jordan “JT” Turner (they/them) serves as the Director of the Gender and Sexuality Center at The University of Illinois-Chicago (UIC). Previously, JT worked at Northwestern University in Multicultural Student Affairs with a focus on outreach and support for LGBTQ+ students. As a scholar practitioner, JT has focused their work at the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality. JT has served on the executive board for The Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals as well as on the leadership team for ACPA's Commission of Social Justice Educators. In addition to their work in higher education, JT consults non-profit organizations, religious institutions, and businesses on how to build anti-racist and inclusive workplace and learning environments. JT earned a master’s degree in College Student Personnel from Western Illinois University and a bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in American Studies from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. They have also studied in the Masters of Divinity Program at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary with a specific interest in Queer theology. JT is an avid meditator, writer, hip-hop fan, foodie, and enjoys reading self-development literature, and traveling to new places.

Dr. Matthew J. Beck is an assistant professor in the Department of Counselor Education and College Personnel at Western Illinois University-Quad Cities. Matthew previously worked in public education for 12 years as a teacher and professional school counselor at the elementary, middle, and high school settings. He is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Illinois, an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS), a National Certified Counselor (NCC), and holds licensure as a K-12 teacher and professional school counselor in Illinois. Matthew’s research interests are informed by his school counselor practice, which encompass how school counselors, administrators, and schools can provide an optimal school climate that fosters academic, career, and social/emotional success for LGBTQ+ students. Specific areas of interest include school counselor advocacy, LGBTQ+ youth education, and the partnerships among school counselors and administrators on LGBTQ+ issues. Matthew’s commitment to social justice issues and educational equity is evident through his publications and presentations at the international, national, state, regional and local levels.

Rebecca Case, a native of Georgia, earned her BA in linguistics from the University of Georgia before completing two terms of national community service with AmeriCorps NCCC. She is currently working toward her masters degree in museum studies at Western Illinois University.

Dr. Alexander Deeb (he/him/his) has taken what might be considered a “unique” path on his journey to Millikin University. He began his college career at Bradley University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Sport Communication. He then went on to earn a master’s degree in Sport Management from Western Illinois University. It was at this time that he began to explore sociocultural issues in sport and recognized the potential to utilize sport as a means to better understand the world around him. This prompted him to attend the University of Tennessee, Knoxville where he earned a PhD in Kinesiology and Sport Studies with a specialization in Socio-Cultural Studies in Sport. Dr. Deeb most recently served as the Director of Multicultural Student Engagement at Concordia University in Portland, Oregon. Over the course of his academic and professional career, Dr. Deeb has taken a measured approach to address issues of access, power, privilege, diversity, equity, and inclusion through various means. He is a passionate advocate for social justice and equity, which drives him to explore solutions to various forms of social inequality.

Leslie Calubana Ducay Deeb (she/her/hers) loves serving as an advocate and resource for students in all stages of their college experience. She currently works as a success coach at Richland Community College in Decatur, Illinois. Previously, Leslie served as the program coordinator for the Office of Service Leadership at Concordia University in Portland, Oregon and academic advisor at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee. Leslie earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington and Master of Science in College Student Personnel at Western Illinois University. Leslie is an alumnae member of Tri Sigma national sorority and currently serves as the Inclusive Excellence Committee Coordinator for the sorority’s Inclusive Excellence Standing Committee. Leslie identifies as a first-generation college student, Filipina-American, and life-long student of transformational leadership, meditation and mindfulness, pleasure activism, storytelling power, intersectionality, and social justice.

Dr. Jonathan Devereueawax is a Professor of Economics at Sauk Valley Community College. He earned a Bachelor’s of Business degree in Economics, a Master’s of Arts in Economics, and a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership, all from Western Illinois University. Dr. Devereueawax’s primary research focuses on increasing the persistence and retention of low income students and other marginalized groups at institutions of higher education. Throughout his academic and professional career, Dr. Devereueawax has been an advocate for promoting higher education to students from under-represented college populations. Through his service at the local and regional level, Dr. Devereueawax has worked with several organizations to empower students to overcome barriers related to enrolling and successfully completing their post-secondary education.

Rachel Dillavou, an Iowa native, earned her BA in Anthropology and her BA in The Study of Religion from the University of Northern Iowa in the summer of 2020. Along with these degrees she also earned a Minor in Sexuality, Women, and Gender Studies and a Certification in Museum Studies. She is currently working toward her Masters Degree in Museum Studies at Western Illinois University and is the Curatorial Graduate Assistant at the Putnam Museum and Science Center.

Dr. Gabe Lara is a motivator, educator, follower, and leader. Having worked in Human Resources with a Training & Development focus, and then transitioning into Student Affairs at the community college level, a mid-size four-year institution, and a large Top 10 flagship institution for over 19 years, his background builds upon a strong Organizational Leadership focus to enhance team effectiveness through tenets in executive leadership, organizational change, student engagement, and social justice. Gabe had an “aha” moment that changed his life’s trajectory. It initially started as an inspired journey, where he created positive collegiate experiences for students. Over time he developed into a leader in higher education to not only develop intentional resources for students to succeed, but opportunities for his peers to think differently about how they inspire their teams to lead through courageous followership. It was always Gabe’s dream to make a positive impact in the lives of others, and he is proud to make a living by inspiring, motivating and challenging people from all different backgrounds. Currently, Dr. Gabe Lara is the Dean of Student Life at the College of Lake County in Grayslake, IL. He has dedicated the majority of his professional career in DEI work through various roles; Student Organizations & Multicultural Programs Coordinator at Elgin Community College; Director of Casa Latina Cultural Center at Western Illinois University; Associate Director of Multicultural & Diversity Affairs at the University of Florida; and Associate Dean of Students at Harper College. When he is not advocating for a new way to lead in higher education, whether through a social justice framework or courageous followership, he spends his time with his beautiful wife Betty of 15 years, 3 children, Jaslene, Viviana and Diego, and their ½ Pitbull ½ Great Dane Sinna.

Dr. Lindsay Meeker is currently working as a Director of Early Childhood and Special Education in West Liberty, IA and teaching early childhood courses at WIU. Her previous roles included EL teacher, ELD coach in Dual Language, and Director of English Learners. Her current research field is mindfulness/yoga in schools with students and families. Dr. Meeker has presented at international, national, state, and local conferences including IL Reading Conference, NAEYC Iowa, NABE, IL ASCD Pre-K/Kindergarten, Multilingual Illinois, TESOL Ontario, University of Wisconsin Early Childhood Conference, and Educating Mindfully on Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Pedagogy, Literacy and Oracy Strategies for English Learners, Mindfulness/Yoga In Schools. Her published works include: Chapter Contributor for “Stories of School Yoga: Narratives From the Field” (SUNY PRESS, 2019) and Family Perspectives on Yoga in Schools: A Qualitative Study (Proquest, 2020 -Dissertation - NCU), as well as an upcoming “to be” published project for Thresholds journal on equity in education for English Learners during COVID-19 with Dr. Gloria Delany-Barmann and Dr. Carla Paciotto. Her degrees include Ed.D Early Childhood, MsEd Bilingual Education, MsEd Educational Leadership,and BS Special Education. Connect with her @linsmeeker.

Jill Joline Myers, JD earned her bachelor’s degree from Millersville State University in Pennsylvania in 1975 and her juris doctorate in 1981 from the University of Baltimore Law School. Prior to joining the faculty at WIU, Professor Myers spent 21 years as a prosecutor in Baltimore City. While there, she was the division chief of the special investigations unit, which targeted and prosecuted violent drug trafficking organizations by employing wire, electronic and oral surveillance techniques.
In addition to litigating criminal and juvenile matters, Professor Myers has taught law related courses to lawyers, police, federal agents and legislators. She was an adjunct professor at the University of Baltimore, Department of Criminal Justice for 6 years and an adjunct professor at Carroll Community College for 11 years where she developed many of their criminal justice courses. She also served as the electronic surveillance advisor/instructor for the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the Fourth Amendment consultant for both the Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) and the Home Box Office, Inc. production of “The Wire.” She was the recipient of two City of Baltimore Police Commissioner’s Bronze Stars for Excellence Awards.

Dr. Jeremy Robinett, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Recreation, Park, Tourism, and Hospitality at Western Illinois University, earned his undergraduate degree from Missouri State University and his doctoral degree in Recreation, Sport and Tourism from the University of Illinois. He uses a social justice lens and critical theories to interrogate expectations and inequities in personal, social, and institutional practices. He is particularly interested in how perceptions of identities and abilities affect and are affected by leisure activities and associated institutional policies and practices. He has conducted research, published, and presented on ways that agencies and individuals can be more inclusive. Dr. Robinett’s recent contributions have included serving as a panelist for a three-part series on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion hosted the Illinois Parks and Recreation Association, presenting on ways that community recreation agencies can better support military service members and their families, conducting research exploring transportation challenges negotiated by families of individuals with disabilities in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, and contributing to a publication exploring teaching perspectives and strategies from social justice advocates in leisure

Michael Rogers is a husband, father, and a man of faith. Outside of leading his family, Michael is an educator, speaker, consultant, and a life coach who focuses on helping people and organizations unlock their full potential. Michael has spent the majority of his career in the education sector, specializing in diversity, equity, and inclusion practices. With nearly 12 years of experience, Michael is a trusted voice and advocate for change in policies, procedures, and daily practices. Michael received his bachelor’s degree from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois and received his master’s degree in College Student Personnel from Western Illinois University. Michael is the founder of Unlocking Potential LLC, a coaching and consulting business. Michael provides consultation and is a speaker to organizations that are looking to infuse and implement diversity, equity, and inclusion practices throughout the entire organization.

Dr. Katja Sonkeng is an instructor in sport management and policy in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Georgia and successfully defended her doctoral dissertation in June 2021 under the direction of Dr. Jepkorir-Rose Chepyator-Thomson. In the fall, she will be joining the Kinesiology Department at Western Illinois University as an Assistant Professor in Sport Management. Prior to joining UGA, she interned with the Public Affairs team of ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and Disney Sports in Orlando, Florida, after earning her MS. Ed. in Sport Studies from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and a B.S. in history and specialized journalism from the University of Giessen in Germany. Her research interests primarily focus on socio-cultural aspects of sport and physical activity, specifically the impact of sport labor migration and sport for development programs, psychosocial, mental, and physical health benefits of sport participation, as well as equity and inclusion-related questions with a focus on women’s experiences and representation in sport leadership. This is well-reflected in her interdisciplinary publication record that includes first-authored and co-authored peer-reviewed journal articles appearing in diverse journals in the field of sport management.

Patricia Walton, JD served as Ninth Judicial Circuit of Illinois Associate Judge and Trial Court with an emphasis on Juvenile Law for 25 years before joining the faculty at WIU in 2019. A graduate from Hope College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science/Business Administration and a graduate of Valparaiso University with a Juris Doctorate Degree Law, Pat practiced law for 11 years and has earned numerous certifications with an emphasis family.

Dr. Pamela White, who has a PHD in Art History as well as a JD in law, has worked in museums for more than 30 years. Her roles have included curator and director. Throughout those years she has also taught students in museum studies, law and public art as well as consulted with numerous entities. After over 20 years at the University of Iowa, she joined WIU in 2012 as an adjunct and became the director of the Museum Studies Program in 2015. Her classes include “Legal and Ethical Issues in Museums” focusing on the demands of the museum profession and the challenges inherent in displaying historical objects in a changing society.

Dr. Haley D. Wikoff is an assistant professor in the Department of Counselor Education and College Student Personnel at Western Illinois University-Quad Cities. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Elementary and Middle Level Education from Concordia College, a Master’s of Education in Counseling from Western, and a Doctorate in Rehabilitation and Counselor Education from the University of Iowa. She previously worked as a middle school and elementary school counselor for 14 years. Additionally, Dr. Wikoff is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the State of Illinois, a National Certified Counselor (NCC), and holds licensure as a teacher and professional school counselor in the state of Iowa. Dr. Wikoff’s research interests center on the ethical practices of school counselors, school counselor advocacy for LGBTQ youth, creating inclusive and welcoming school environments for LGBTQ familes, and counseling considerations for same-sex couples navigating the fertility process. She has published and presented on these topics at the local, regional, and national level.