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The Student Affairs team is excited to celebrate four exceptional individuals as they take on important interim leadership roles for �԰�����. These Tigers have pledged their support for �԰����� students, and are on campus to mentor, guide, and advocate for those living and learning in our community.

Jamie Thompson ’05, Ed.D., is serving as interim dean of students and associate vice president for Student Affairs. A �԰����� veteran, Thompson has served students for more than a decade as they manage academic, personal, social, and emotional issues and concerns. After graduating from �԰����� in 2005, Thompson joined the community in 2009 as the coordinator for student organizations and leadership; she became director for Student Involvement in 2012 and was named the assistant dean of students in 2020. In 2023, Thompson completed her doctoral studies at the University of Southern California; her dissertation research focused on during the COVID-19 pandemic. As associate vice president and dean, Thompson will represent student needs to others, represent the University's interests to students, and work with faculty and parents on issues related to their students at �԰�����.

Bernadette Buchanan, Ph.D., known by her students as “Dr. B,” has been named interim associate dean of students. Dr. B is a Title IX strategist and equity adviser who comes to us from Texas Lutheran University, having served as associate dean of students for career development and experiential learning and as the Title IX coordinator. She brings expertise in student conduct, Title IX, ADA/504, residential life, and diversity and inclusion, as well as a unique blend of strategic thinking and leadership skills that help universities align their initiatives with overall strategic goals. Dr. B is a graduate of Washington State University where she was named WSU’s Graduate Student of the Year and at TLU was awarded SGA's Staff Member of the Year.

As dean of students, a crucial role at �԰�����, Jamie Thompson will be supported by Bernadette Buchanan, interim associate dean. Both roles expand and maximize support to students. Additionally, Dr. B joins Kateeka Harris, interim Title IX coordinator, in a collaborative effort to bolster �԰�����'s Title IX commitment.

Catherine Fragoso recently began her role as interim director for Student Inclusion, Belonging, and Engagement in the Student Diversity and Inclusion Office. Fragoso leads an office designed to support students through active engagement with social justice, equity, and inclusion concepts. A first-generation college student and transfer student who comes to �԰����� after more than two decades at Our Lady of the Lake University, Fragoso’s professional experience includes student involvement, new student orientation, facility management, and multicultural event programming. Meet Cat—wife, mother, fisherwoman, Dallas Cowboys fan, and O’Connor High School super parent—as she begins her new position at �԰�����.

Mindy Tran Champion ’19, M’20, has been named assistant director for orientations and transitions, a role now reimagined as part of the Student Inclusion, Belonging, and Engagement team. Champion moves to this role after serving as coordinator for student organizations and leadership since January 2023. She received her B.A. in 2019 and her M.A. in 2020 from �԰�����; while Champion was a student, she was a captain of the O-Team and a �԰����� tour guide. A search to replace the coordinator for student organizations and leadership is underway. ��

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We are thankful for the dedication of these four leaders. There are more than 50 combined years of service to student affairs among them, and they’ve chosen to share their strengths and talents with our community. Please share your thanks and congratulations!