Since September 1, 2021, the Emerging Scholars program at Saint Xavier University has been inactive.
This inactivity is due to the departure of Lisa Lyons, former director and coordinator of Emerging Scholars, who left Saint Xavier on June 22, 2021.
As stated on the University’s website, Emerging Scholars “…promotes the retention and academic success of African-American students at Saint Xavier University.”
The program is committed to, “providing relevant experiences that aim to help African-American students succeed academically, professionally and socially through development” in six areas—or “pillars.” These pillars are “education/retention, leadership, social, community involvement and cultural/spiritual awareness.”
On Jan. 18, 2022, Campus Life Director Ashley Jackson explained that Emerging Scholars is “an initiative under a different area” that Lyons had once oversaw.
Associate Director of Financial Aid Jacqueline Griffin stated on Jan. 25 that Lyons’ opportunity received was ‘quick’ and ‘unexpected,’ saying there wasn’t “sufficient time” to replace her leadership. “She was the driving force of Emerging Scholars so the decision was made to put the initiative on hold for the 2021-2022 school year,” said Griffin.
On Jan. 23, English Professor and Program Coordinator, Gina Rossetti, Ph.D., said that “the Board [of Trustees] wanted to wait until the arrival of a Chief Diversity Officer [CDO], who might serve as the advisor.” Rossetti believed “we would have the colleague here in late Fall,” but the CDO search is continuing.
Rosetti continued: “Consequently, I don’t know if the Board has reconvened about new directions for Emerging Scholars.” But Griffin says there’s hope the new CDO would “reassess and relaunch the program” for the following 2022-2023 school year.
In the meantime, Jackson will “assist a small committee” in collaboration with Emerging Scholars. For this year’s Eighth Annual African American Achievement Awards—sponsored by the Student Life Department—there won’t be any change to the traditional ceremony. But Jackson says she’s responsible for making sure this upcoming celebration takes place.
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