 DeGrange Works to Foster a More Diverse University
The new coordinator of USF’s minority student recruitment and retention office takes her work to heart. As a product of Catholic and Jesuit education who knows firsthand the challenges underrepresented students of color can face, Suzette DeGrange is dedicated to helping these students thrive at USF.
“I came to USF because I saw an opportunity to work with students who are from a similar background as I am,” she said. “As a student at Loyola University (in New Orleans), I remember clearly some of the issues that came up for me as a person of color in a predominantly white university. While my parents emphasized education, as a first-generation college student, I also needed to seek out guidance from adults who could take the time to mentor me. And walking into classrooms, I would often be the only person of color in the room. I wanted to be in a position to help students deal with these issues.”
DeGrange, also senior associate director of admission, joined USF in July 2000. She came from Stanford University, where she directed Upward Bound, the university’s academic support and college education program for low-income and first-generation college-bound high school students.
“Suzette comes to us with a wealth of experience,” said Academic Services Dean B.J. Johnson. “She has worked at a variety of institutions of higher education. She is really good at relating well to students and administrators alike. We are very happy to have her.”
In her new position, DeGrange is focusing on recruiting and supporting students who the university identifies as underrepresented —African-Americans, Latinos, and Native Americans. Although USF is doing well in terms of retention compared to many other universities, there is room for improvement, DeGrange said.
“Most students feel very positive about what they are learning and achieving at USF. The fact that the university has made this office a priority speaks to its commitment to the success of all students,” she said. “But more can be done. Students who are experiencing difficulties need access to faculty and staff who can serve as mentors. There’s more we can do to reach out to students one on one, especially in their first year.”
To enhance recruitment of minority students, DeGrange has established close ties with local school districts, ties that go beyond providing information about USF.
“To attract students to the university, it is important to be in the community,” she said. “I am meeting with administrators of schools, offering my services, sharing information about the college process, and advising students about financial aid. Not only do I want students to know USF, but as someone who has survived this system, I also want to give back in whatever way they need.”
In order to improve retention, DeGrange meets with underrepresented first-year and new transfer students at least once a semester, monitors their performance and coordinates enrichment activities.
“Part of my role is creating a community that is comfortable for underrepresented students,” she said. “An important aspect of that is collaborating with faculty and staff on campus. Working with offices like the Learning and Writing Center and Multicultural and International Student Services is essential. I am also connecting with alumni and student leaders.”
The Jesuit commitment to equal opportunity provides an ideal setting for DeGrange’s efforts to help students in whom she often sees a bit of herself.
“Everyone sees that this is a priority,” she said. “It is nice to see people here committed to the Jesuit mission of social justice.”
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