Meet Dr. Susan R. Burns, president of the University of Mount Saint Vincent in the Bronx, New York City. A first-generation college graduate herself; Burns is leading the university into the future of what higher ed should look like — an authentic, high-quality education for students of all backgrounds. Under Burns' leadership since 2021, the Mount is a Hispanic-and-minority-serving institution.
Don’t miss the conversation as Burns and host Diverse host David Pluviose explore innovative strategies and the holistic approach that the University of Mount Saint Vincent uses to meet the needs of today’s diverse student population. Amid the challenges facing higher education, Burns highlights the critical role of support and proactive counseling in ensuring student success and graduation. To help students graduate debt-free with an associate degree, the Mount provides essential resources, including free breakfast and lunch, laptops, books, dedicated faculty, a social worker, and career certificate options.
Tune in to learn how The Mount addresses students’ financial barriers through diversity initiatives and efforts to promote social mobility.
KEY POINTS:
- Burns’ journey as a first-generation graduate
- Challenges in choosing an affordable college institution
- University of Mount Saint Vincent’s efforts to increase accessible and affordable higher ed
- Foster care: About the Mott Street Scholarship program for students
- The importance of services beyond financial aid, like childcare and food assistance
- Effectiveness of intrusive counseling and proactive support for students
- The Mount’s mission and values in fostering a supportive community
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts at The Mount
- Burn’s advice to colleagues facing DEI concerns, and ways to promote them
- Key focus: Vision on strategic plan, growth, access, and student success
- Expansion of online programs, partnerships, and initiatives like the Center for Leadership
QUOTES:
"We really work very hard to make finances not a barrier for our students. And then we work with students when they get here to make sure that they're taking advantage of work-study." - Dr. Susan R. Burns
"If you don't want to be known, then we're not the place for you. We really get to know our students, and it is the way that we can proactively make sure that those students keep their eye on the ball — realize that they're here for a reason — and that reason is ultimately degree completion." - Dr. Susan R. Burns
RESOURCES:
University of Mount Saint Vincent https://mountsaintvincent.edu
Come to Believe Network https://www.ctbnetwork.org/
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Closed captioning and live show transcription are available in the video for this episode.
In The Margins is produced by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education and edited by EPYC Media Network