Nyack College Dean of Students Wanda Velez has been named by the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) as a 2019 Resource Leader for the Multi-Ethnic Leadership Development Institute (M-E LDI). The one-year program was established as a professional development opportunity for people of color, who are emerging leaders from campuses nationwide. A cohort of some two dozen individuals is accepted in the M-ELDI program. Dean Velez will create a professional development plan for M-E LDI participants, who will also have the opportunity to shadow her on the Nyack campus.
Dean Velez is an alumna of the M-EDLI program. Since her participation, she has been sought after as a panelist for events such as CCCU’s 2017 forum, “Sponsorship Within Christian Higher Education: A Strategy for Advancing Emerging Leaders of Color?;” and ” 2017 The Hope Gathering,” at the Redeemer Presbyterian Church W83 Ministry Center, organized by women involved in a variety of churches and organizations throughout New York City.
A 1996 Nyack College graduate and 2001 Alliance Theological Seminary (ATS) graduate, Wanda Velez is also a member of the CCCU Commission for Chief Student Development Officers (CSDO). In this role, she helps plan an annual meeting and advises the CCCU president and staff on professional development opportunities. At Nyack, she oversees the Office of Student Development and is a member of the leadership team for the rite of passage program, “Woman.”
Dean Velez is currently a student in the ATS Doctor of Ministry program with a concentration in Global Christian Leadership.