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After a national search during Spring Term, the Diversity Alignment in Student Affairs selected and appointed a dynamo/a (!) – Melanie Dixon-Carldwell (pictured above) – to a new retention specialist position. Melanie will significantly increase the alignment’s capacity to provide comprehensive support services to students from first generation, low income, and multicultural backgrounds. In her new position as African American Student Services Coordinator, Melanie has plans to use knowledge gained from her graduate research on the low participation and graduation of African American males in college to increase access to and persistence of this population at Portland State. A graduate of Portland Community College, Portland State University, and the PSU Graduate School of Education, Melanie will use her networks to work closely with PPS, PCC, and community partners such as Self Enhancement Incorporated (SEI) and the Urban League, to create active and enduring pathways for these students to PSU. DMSS programs use best practices to build cultural communities that welcome students, include families, and provide professional and peer support for improved retention and student success. Contact Melanie in 425 SMSU, 503.725.9938, or mrd@pdx.edu.