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A Message From Melanie Pagán

Melanie Pagán is a 1.5-generation (im)migrant from Puerto Rico, raised in Chicago, whose commitment to community and social justice has shaped her 18-year career in higher education. She advocates for marginalized communities, particularly graduate students of color, students with disabilities, and pregnant/parenting students. Melanie received her bachelor’s from Bradley University and her master’s from Baruch College. She pursued doctoral studies at The George Washington University, researching the academic self-efficacy of graduate students of color with disabilities through a DisCrit framework. Her scholarship includes co-authored publications addressing gendered racism and doctoral student experiences. Her career includes roles at Yale University, Harvard University, Columbia University, and Connecticut College, including three inaugural roles focused on supporting graduate students. She was recognized by Yale for her contributions to advancing an inclusive campus community. A member of ACPA for 15 years, Melanie has served on the Latinx Network Board for more than a decade, including three years as Chair. She founded the LN Summer Leadership Symposium and received the 2018 LN Outstanding Mid-Level Higher Education Professional Award and 2023 ACPA Advocate Award. Today, she supports alumni engagement at Yale and works with Uproot Talent to diversify C-suite leadership in social impact organizations.
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In Support of ACPA Foundation

Founded in 1994 during the presidency of Charles Schroeder, the purpose of the ACPA Educational Leadership Foundation (501c3 non-profit organization) is “to enhance the student affairs profession and to generate and disseminate knowledge of college students at all levels within higher education” (Article Three of the Articles of Incorporation). The organization is now known as the ACPA Foundation to more concisely communicate its role as the fundraising arm of ACPA College Student Educators International.

The Mission - The ACPA Foundation exists to support the priorities and activities of ACPA by raising funds and developing resources that help the Association fulfill its mission. 

The Vision - The ACPA Foundation will develop sufficient assets to effectively and sustainably fund ACPA’s efforts to provide excellent professional development opportunities to members, advance knowledge in the field, and support the transformative effect of education in the lives of college students.

In order to fulfill its purpose and mission, the Foundation invites members and non-members alike to provide philanthropic support for ACPA's vital initiatives involving research, scholarship, professional development and leadership program.