The Institute for Student Success (ISS) is proud to announce Herman Shelton, M.Ed. as the new Executive Director for the Center for Access and Postsecondary Success (CAPS). Throughout his professional career, Mr. Shelton has prioritized equity and access while serving in various educational leadership roles. As the Executive Director of the Access Center at Colorado State University, he spearheaded initiatives aimed at bridging opportunity gaps for minoritized and underrepresented groups in higher education. Leading a team of staff across 11 distinct programs, including 5 federally funded TRIO grants and 6 institutionally funded programs, Mr. Shelton and his team worked in concert to extend educational access and opportunity across the state of Colorado. Through close collaboration with university departments and participation in executive leadership committees, he championed the creation of policies and protocols that enhanced campus climate and positively impacted student outcomes. Prior to his time at CSU, as the Director of Upward Bound Projects at Roosevelt University, he directed two federally funded college preparatory programs for first-generation, low-income students.
In addition to administrative roles, Mr. Shelton has contributed extensively to curriculum design and public engagement initiatives centered on equity and social justice. At Colorado State University, he designed courses such as 'The Politics of Equity' and 'Racism, Antiracism, and Equity in Education', facilitating critical discussions on identity, privilege, and systemic oppression. His commitment to fostering inclusive environments extends beyond academia, as evidenced by presentations such as "Social Justice as Self-Care" and "Incorporating an Equity Lens" delivered at various community forums and professional conferences. His interdisciplinary background in psychology, intercultural studies, and education, coupled with hands-on experience in program development, budget management, and staff supervision have prepared him to thrive at the University of Connecticut. His tenure at UConn will begin in early May and he can be reached at Herman.Shelton@UConn.edu.
Please join us in welcoming Herman Shelton to ISS and our UConn community.
For more information, contact: Sarah Farrell at sarah.farrell@uconn.edu