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This month, the DeBaun Black Alumni Network at Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵAPP continues its monthly series of Black Alumni Spotlights featuring some of our most accomplished Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵAPPSaints. This month let\u2019s get to know Dr. Aretha Hardrick \u201919.<\/span><\/p>\n Name: Dr. Aretha Hardrick Education: What’s your Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵAPPexperience? What’s your favorite Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵAPPmemory?<\/em> What are you doing now? Additional goals and aspirations? How did your education and experience at Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵAPPhelp you?<\/em> Words of wisdom for today’s students?<\/em> Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵAPPAlumni Network<\/strong> To get connected with the DeBaun Black Alumni Network, follow them on LinkedIn here<\/a>.<\/p>\n If you or someone you know would like to be spotlighted, contact\u00a0alumni@maryville.edu. We would sure like to hear from you!<\/p>\n
\n<\/span>Email: <\/span>ahardrick@maryville.edu<\/b><\/a>
\nPhone: 314-529-9476
\n<\/span>LinkedIn URL: <\/span>https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/arethahardrick\/<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n
\n<\/span><\/em>Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵAPP, Doctor of Education, Higher Education Leadership – 2019
\n<\/span>Coach Diversity Institute, Associate Diversity Coach (ADC) Certification – 2019
\n<\/span>University of Missouri \u2013 Kansas City, Master of Arts, Higher Education Administration – 2011
\n<\/span>University of Missouri \u2013 Kansas City, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology – 2004<\/span><\/p>\n
\n<\/span><\/em>I serve as Dean of Campus Life and Deputy Title IX Coordinator.<\/span><\/p>\n
\nI have two favorite memories from Maryville: The first was in 2017, when I watched my husband, William, walk across the stage to receive his degree. The second, and my absolute favorite, was in 2019 when I completed and defended my dissertation. Being hooded and shaking Dr. Lombardi\u2019s hand as a proud Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵAPPalum was an unforgettable moment.<\/span><\/p>\n
\n<\/em>As Dean of Campus Life and Deputy Title IX Coordinator, I serve as a member of the leadership team for the Division of Student Life. I\u2019m entering my second year in this role, but have served Saints Nation in various capacities at Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵAPPfor eleven years. Serving the community has been one of the most rewarding ways I\u2019ve connected to the St. Louis area as a transplant. I volunteer regularly at Ditto Family Resale, which partners with area schools to provide scholarships. I serve as a board member for Central Christian School and am a worship leader at Agape Christian Center. I participate in other service opportunities as an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and The Links<\/span>, <\/span>Incorporated. My husband William (Jr.) and I celebrated 10 years of marriage at the end of September, 2024. We have two sons, William (III) is 7 and Layton is 2. I enjoy road trips and traveling with my family.<\/span><\/p>\n
\n<\/em>I am committed to transforming the student experience, fostering an atmosphere where every student can thrive, feel valued, feel supported, and have a sense of belonging at Maryville.<\/span><\/p>\n
\nMy experience in the doctoral program at Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵAPPwas extremely rewarding. Several of my cohort members stay in touch even to this day, and we consult with each other regarding our roles in higher education and corporate spaces. My faculty and dissertation chair had a vested interest in my success and guided my cohort through the process to completion of the program.<\/span><\/p>\n
\nI encourage our students to take ownership of their educational journey and quickly identify a support network \u2013 whether it\u2019s a Life Coach, student organization, close friends \u2013 persevere through challenges, and most importantly, enjoy everything Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵAPPhas to offer!<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.maryville.edu\/mpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2024\/09\/debaun-300x200.jpeg\")
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\nFeaturing alums who make a difference in myriad ways<\/em><\/p>\n