海角直播

Publish Date: Jan. 16, 2026

During 海角直播鈥檚 Spring 2026 In-Service Day on January 16, the campus community came together to reaffirm its commitment to equity, inclusion, and student success by celebrating the 2nd Annual Equity Champion Awards. The call for nominations was shared with the campus community in Fall 2025, inviting faculty, staff, and students to recognize outstanding equity-centered work across the college. Organized on behalf of the Student Equity and Achievement Committee (SEAC), the awards recognize individuals and departments whose intentional actions advance justice, belonging, and opportunity for all students.

This year鈥檚 honorees exemplify the many ways equity work shows up across campus鈥攆rom classrooms and labs to counseling offices, committees, and student support services.

Classified Professional Equity Champion

Rosemarie Hansen, Laboratory Technician II, Biological Sciences

Rosemarie Hansen was recognized for her unwavering commitment to student-centered support in the sciences. Colleagues shared that she 鈥済oes above and beyond as a science lab tech,鈥� consistently finding creative ways to help students navigate barriers鈥攚hether related to the high cost of materials or uncertainty about lab expectations.

In department, committee, and senate meetings, Rose is known for centering student needs and advocating for equitable access. As one nominator noted, 鈥淪tudents are her priority, and helping reach and support our diverse student population is a natural part of who she is.鈥� Her work reflects both compassion and action, ensuring students feel supported inside and outside the lab.

Faculty Equity Champion

Dr. Christopher Olivera, Professor of Microbiology; Chair of Kinesiology & Public Education

Dr. Christopher Olivera was honored for his deep personal investment in student success and mentorship. A dedicated faculty mentor to first-generation, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ students, Dr. Olivera serves as Academic Senate Vice President of Support and is widely known for leading with purpose rather than position.

Comments highlighted that Dr. Olivera 鈥渁rrives early, stays late, and regularly tutors and mentors students鈥攐ften beyond his own advisees.鈥� He models academic excellence while maintaining genuine compassion, creating learning environments where students feel seen, valued, and supported. Many of his mentees have gone on to graduate school or professional roles in public health and healthcare, crediting his guidance as transformative.

Faculty Equity Champion

Dr. Danae Hart, Assistant Professor of Ethnic Studies

Dr. Danae Hart was recognized for her comprehensive and sustained impact as an equity leader across curriculum, policy, student engagement, and shared governance. Dr. Hart advises student clubs and serves on the Academic Senate, Student Equity Committee, and the Labor Union, consistently advocating for inclusive and just institutional practices.

One colleague shared, 鈥淒r. Hart鈥檚 work reflects a deep commitment to transforming 海角直播 into a place of justice, inclusion, and belonging.鈥� Another noted her 鈥渢ireless advocacy, innovative leadership, and genuine commitment to creating an inclusive campus community.鈥� Her leadership continues to shape systems that support students and colleagues alike.

Administrator Equity Champion

Dr. Willie Blackmon, Dean of Student Services

Dr. Willie Blackmon was honored for his extraordinary leadership, mentorship, and presence across campus. Serving as a mentor to students and employees alike, Dr. Blackmon is Co-Chair of the A2MEND Conference, Co-Chair of the Black History Month Workgroup, and a member of the Dual Enrollment Committee.

Nominators consistently described him as dedicated, personable, and humble, noting that he 鈥済oes above and beyond to ensure the success of staff and students.鈥� Dr. Blackmon鈥檚 welcoming spirit is evident daily, as he greets students by name and creates spaces where everyone feels respected and valued.

Department Equity Champion

Counseling Services

The Counseling Services Department was recognized for its collective commitment to equity and student-centered care. Serving 6,370 students in Fall 2024 and 7,185 students in Fall 2025, the department reflects the diversity of the campus and embraces a multicultural, multilingual approach to student support.

Nomination statements emphasized the department鈥檚 warm, inclusive environment, noting that students of all backgrounds are treated with dignity and respect. Staff are encouraged to use their multilingual skills, and employees are welcomed to practice their first language. One student worker shared, 鈥淚 have never felt anything other than supported and encouraged to meet challenges and goals.鈥�

Equity Champion Honorable Recognition

Honorable Recognition was awarded to individuals and departments whose work also reflects outstanding commitment to equity and inclusion:

Administrator: Nicholas Reichert

Classified Professional: Rebecca Abeyta

Faculty: David Gerhartz and Marina Kozonova

Department: Tutoring Center

The Student Equity and Achievement Committee (SEAC) is charged with developing and overseeing the implementation of the college鈥檚 Student Success Plan and Student Equity Plan, addressing recruitment, admission, retention, and success for all students.

The Equity Champion Awards celebrate not only individual and departmental accomplishments, but also the collective effort of those who submitted nominations and contribute daily to fostering a culture of equity, collaboration, and belonging. Congratulations to all nominees, honorees, and recipients鈥攜our work continues to set a powerful standard for 海角直播.