Operation Graduation
Operation Graduation works with a specific group of first time, full-time cohort students with the goal of on-time degree and certificate completion. Advisors monitor academic performance with semester progress notes through graduation, encourage timely registration of required courses, and assist with possible completion scholarships.
Project Achievement
Project Achievement is the institution’s initiative dedicated to increasing the graduation rates of African American males. Using similar proactive advising strategies as Operation Graduation, advisors work one-on-one with students to promote on-time degree and certificate completion. Project Achievement includes a social programming component known as the Black Male Achievers program at Union College. Various social engagement events are held on and off campus related to personal and professional development for Black men to foster a culture of student success.
Inspire the Future
Inspire the Future is the institution’s initiative dedicated to increasing the graduation rates of the Hispanic population. Using similar proactive advising strategies as Operation Graduation, advisors work one-on-one with students to promote on-time degree and certificate completion. Inspire the Future includes career services opportunities, workshops, and various social engagement events are held on and off campus related to personal and professional development for the Hispanic population to foster a culture of student success.
Meet Our Staff
Duane Reid, Director of Student Success Initiatives
Focus: “My goal is to advocate for all students and to create equitable opportunities for students to graduate on time.”
Education: AS Criminal Justice, Essex County College; BA Criminal Justice, Rutgers University; MPA Public Administration, Rutgers University; Ed.D Educational Leadership (Anticipated conferral 2024), Rowan University
Email: duane.reid@ucc.edu
Call/Text: TBA
Virtual Office: https://unioncc.webex.com/meet/duane.reid
Meet Our Staff – Operation Graduation
Morgan Thompson, Student Services Specialist
Focus: Assisting students in their academic studies by creating educational plans that will help them reach there academic and future career goals.
Education: BA Psychology, Caldwell University; MA School Counseling, Caldwell University
Email: morgan.thompson@ucc.edu
Call/Text: TBA
Virtual Office: https://unioncc.webex.com/meet/morgan.thompson
Valerie Wilbon, Student Services Generalist
Focus: “My goal is to advocate for students to have and use the various resources at Union College to be as successful as they desire.”
Education: BA Sociology, Minors in Africana Studies and Music, Rutgers University
Email: valerie.wilbon@ucc.edu
Call/Text: 908-444-6482
Virtual Office: https://unioncc.webex.com/meet/valerie.wilbon
Meet Our Staff – Project Achievement
Dr. LaVon Williams, Associate Director of Student Success Initiatives
Focus: “My goal is to remind students that they did not get this far, just to get this far!”
Education: AS Liberal Studies, SUNY Canton; BS Mass Media, SUNY Plattsburgh; MS Sports Management, SUNY Cortland; Ed.D Educational Leadership, Rowan University
Email: williams@ucc.edu
Call/Text: 908-368-1137
Virtual Office: https://unioncc.webex.com/meet/williams
Clinton Miller, Jr., Student Services Generalist
Focus: “My goal is to encourage everyone I encounter, of all ages, to be the very best that they can be as they strive to make a positive impact in the world in which they live because of the gifts, talents, and abilities that are resident within their very being.”
Education: BA Elementary Ed K-8, MA Behavioral Science, Kean University; MS Christian Counseling, Carin University
Email: clinton.miller@ucc.edu
Call/Text: 929-314-1238
Virtual Office: https://unioncc.webex.com/meet/clinton.miller
Kobe Penn, Student Services Generalist
Focus: “My goal is to help students recognize their potential and grow into the best versions of themselves.”
Education: BA Political Science, Minor in African American Studies
Email: kobe.penn@ucc.edu
Call/Text: 973-437-3501
Virtual Office (Webex room): https://unioncc.webex.com/meet/kobe.penn
Meet Our Staff – Inspire the Future
Yuri Bisono, Student Services Specialist
Focus: “Be a source of solid advocacy and encouragement to our students using the tools and maximum resources to achieve academic and professional excellence to continue shaping the path for equity and diversity in the communities.”
Email: yuri.bisono@ucc.edu
Call/Text: 908-866-5263
Education: BA, Art Therapy, Minor in Psychology, New Jersey City University; MA in liberal studies, Thomas Edison State University
Virtual Office: https://unioncc.webex.com/meet/yuri.bisono