Dawn Stanton
Director
Stantond2@southernct.edu
(203) 392-6814
Dawn Stanton is the Director of University Access Programs (UAP). She came to Southern as a student in the Southern Educational Opportunity Program (SEOP) summer academy in 1986, which became a life-changing experience that shaped her values and belief in her ability to thrive academically in college. During her time as a Southern student, Dawn was a member of the women’s track team competing in short sprints, long jump, and triple jump, and becoming a 5-time All American. She was also a Resident Advisor for two years in Wilkinson Hall, which was the spark for her passion for helping college students succeed.
Dawn has worked in residence life, student center management, student involvement and leadership, and access programs. After 30 years of experience promoting student achievement, she has come full circle in her role as director of UAP. She appreciates the importance of access programs that serve and create opportunities for promising students in post-secondary education. Dawn cares deeply about students and is committed to helping them persist and graduate. She values academic accomplishment and believes in the power of education to improve social mobility. Dawn is a proud alumnus of SCSU, having earned a Bachelor’s in Communication (1990) and a Master’s in Business Economics (1998). She was inducted into the SCSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2018 for her accomplishments in track and field. She lives in Hamden, Connecticut, and has two children in college who followed in her footsteps as student-athletes.
Maribel Sanchez
Associate Director
sanchezm27@southernct.edu
(203) 392-6850
Maribel Sanchez is the Associate Director of University Access Programs (UAP). She is a first-generation student who earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and her Master’s degree in Organizational Management and Leadership, both from Eastern Connecticut State University. She earned her undergraduate admission to Eastern through a summer bridge program just like the Southern Educational Opportunity Program (SEOP) called Summer Transition to Eastern Program (STEP/CAP). She is forever grateful for the STEP/CAP program because it provided her with the support that was necessary for her to persist on to college and ultimately graduate. Maribel began her career in higher education at the University of Connecticut - Storrs where she was a TRiO Coordinator, promoting equal access to higher education for Pell eligible students for nearly 11 years. She then came full circle to pursue an opportunity at Eastern Connecticut State University within the department of Opportunity Programs, working directly with the STEP/CAP program and its many other opportunity programs. It was truly an amazing experience to be able to work directly with the program that had such an immeasurable impact on her academic career and, ultimately, her professional career.
Maribel is a native of Hartford, CT, but currently resides in Vernon, CT. She is the proud mom of two daughters, one who is currently attending Central Connecticut State University and the other whom is in elementary school. Some of her personal passions are running and being active but also fighting for Women’s access to reproductive health, LGBTQI rights, and immigrant rights.
Niasia Mercado-Walters
Assistant Director of University Access Programs (UAP)
Mercadon1@southernct.edu
(203) 392-6888
Niasia Mercado-Walters is the Assistant Director of University Access Programs (UAP). She is an alumnus of Southern. As a student, she was a New Haven Promise and Gear-UP Scholar. Niasia is a first-generation college student who graduated from Southern with her bachelor’s degree in Public Health. She went on to earn an M.S. in Counseling Education with a specialization in Student Development in Higher Education from Central Connecticut State University.
Niasia is committed to holistic approaches that support college student development, using mindfulness communication and stress management strategies. Niasia carries a passion for assisting students in navigating their college experiences, specifically as it pertains to access and barriers to their success. Niasia has a desire to create a sense of community and belonging for Southern students, specifically by providing mentorship and inclusive community programming. Niasia sees herself as a lifelong learner and educator. Beyond her career, she is a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, and a friend who enjoys reading books, listening to music, cooking, and most of all, she loves family time.
Bernard Macklin
Assistant Director of the University Access Program Owl Flight to Excellence program
macklinb1@southernct.edu
(203) 392-6919
Bernard Macklin is the Assistant Director of the University Access Program (UAP) Owl Flight to Excellence program. He came to Southern as the Program Coordinator for the Flu/ COVID campaign in the Department of Human Services in October 2019, a life-changing experience shaping his current opportunity to join UAP. Over the years, Bernard has been part of multiple initiatives, including being an American Track Athlete at Grambling State University, a current member of KAP Fraternity Inc., a Life Coach, Track Field Coach, Basketball Coach, and Football Coach for the City of Grand Rapids Public Schools.
Bernard is a first-generation student who earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s degree in biblical studies (Theology), which led to an inspiring career-driven passion for working with students, people, and communities throughout the United States of America. Bernard is a lifetime learner, entertainer, minister, husband, and father, who enjoys singing, dancing, running, tennis, music, cooking, and the love of family. Bernard is determined to change the lives of students seeking to be different, academic scholars, and future professionals as they pursue their bachelor's degree from SCSU.
Oscar Clark
Secretary
clarko1@southernct.edu
(203) 392-6814
Oscar Clark has worked at Southern Connecticut State University since 1997. During that time, he has worked primarily within Student Services. Oscar began his career in the Registrar's Office. It is where he found his passion for helping students succeed. No matter the job he has transitioned to, his focus has always been on assisting students in achieving their success over the years.
Oscar has now found the ultimate place to help students within the University Access Programs. He provides administrative support for the student body, UAP Staff, and other administrative personnel. He does that while helping UAP students find all the resources, whether academic or non-academic, on-campus and off-campus support services they need to succeed here at SCSU.
Rosenine Saint-Val
Graduate Intern/Advocate (Underclassmen)
saintvalr1@southernct.edu
(203) 392-6889
Rosenine Saint-Val is a UAP Graduate Intern and Advocate. She was born in Bridgeport, CT, and comes from a Haitian background. Rosenine is a First-Generation college student and a recent Alumna of Southern Connecticut State University. While there, she earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology. Her undergraduate admission to Southern was gained through the TAP-transfer ticket program from Housatonic Community College. She was also the two-time recipient of the Housatonic Community College Foundation Scholarship award. The Tap-transfer program allowed her the support needed to navigate college and thrive academically. During her undergrad at Southern, Rosenine was an active member of multiple organizations on campus. This included the Black Student Union (BSU), Caribbean Student Association (CSA), Office of Student Involvement (OSI), and Multicultural Center (MCC). During her time with CSA, Rosenine held leadership positions such as President, Secretary, and now current Graduate Advisor of the club. Rosenine believes that being a part of the organizations on Southern’s campus helped her improve academics, cultural awareness, and professionalism, which increased her confidence and sharpened her leadership skills.
Rosenine is pursuing her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at SCSU. As a UAP Advocate, she believes her involvement in various student organizations on campus enabled her to gain confidence in herself as a leader and advocate for underrepresented students of color. She is determined to ensure that each student receives quality care and equal opportunities to advance academically.
Myesha Map
Graduate Intern/Advocate (Underclassmen)
mappm1@southernct.edu
(203) 392-6817
Myesha Mapp is a UAP Graduate Intern and a proud first-generation college graduate. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Southern Connecticut State University in 2025 and is currently pursuing dual master’s degrees in Women and Gender Studies and Social Work. Originally from Hartford, Myesha began her undergraduate journey at Southern in 2021.
During her time as a student, Myesha held several leadership roles, including serving as a Resident Advisor and later as a Senior Resident Advisor. These roles allowed her to build strong connections within the campus community, particularly with first-year students.
As a graduate intern with UAP, Myesha is committed to supporting and advocating for all students, especially those who are first-generation or part of marginalized communities. Her mission is to promote student success by helping them adjust to college life, navigate campus resources, and feel empowered throughout their academic journey.
Sasha Benjamin
Advocate (upper-class)
benjamins1@southernct.edu
(203) 392-6816
Sasha Benjamin is a UAP Advocate. She is an alumnus of Southern, where she received her B.S. 03’ in Biology and M.S. 17’ in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Sasha was raised in New York City. As an advocate, Sasha tries to provide the best support on and off campus to the students of color who have experienced challenges that may result in an academic probation/warning. Sasha makes herself available to her students and families as well. Her goal is to educate students about their resources, but she also extends her support to educate families.
Sasha’s very passionate about each student’s well-being, as well as their mental health and wellness. She is determined to help each student achieve their goals and to gain knowledge of how to speak up on their behalf. Beyond being an advocate, she’s a mom, sister, daughter, aunt, and a friend who enjoys coaching track and field and helping others.
Dominique Burrell
PASS Program Coordinator
burrelld1@southernct.edu
(203) 392-8378
Dominique Burrell is the PASS Coordinator for the UAP-PASS Program. Born and raised in New Haven, CT, where she attended NHPS and competed in Track and Field. Dominique obtained her B.A. in Liberal Studies (minors: Public Health, School Health, and Exercise Science) with the help of attending SCSU’s Southern Educational Opportunity Program (SEOP) and an M.S. in Human Services Therapeutic Recreation. While at SCSU, Dominique participated in many organizations such as Women’s Track and Field, CONNCAP, BSU, Senior Advisor, and was a Residence Advisor just to name a few. Dominique’s engagement in these organizations sparked her ability to help others understand their own journey toward success. Prior to working as a PASS Coordinator, Dominique served as a Life Coach, Counselor, Advocate, and Therapeutic Recreation Director.
Dominique’s goal in her role as PASS Coordinator is to create a space for students to be seen and recognized that different paths can still lead to success. This goal will be obtained through holistic approaches and programming that provide resources and authentic connections. Beyond being an advocate, she’s a wife, mom, sister, daughter, aunt, and friend who enjoys sports, movies, laughing, and helping others.
Tony Carberry
PASS Advocate
carberryj1@southernct.edu
203-392-7216
Joseph Anthony Carberry, better known as Tony Carberry, is often heard to say that “I don’t have any identity….I am known as either Dr. Belinda Carberry’s husband or Tobe’s dad or Tobin’s dad or even now as Tobe Jr’s granddaddy”! However, truth be told, Tony has been working very hard in the background, building a strong, solidified, and successful family while contributing to our community. Born and raised in the inner-city of Baltimore, MD, during turbulent times, Tony met his to-be bride, Belinda, while delivering newspapers to her father, Mr. Wallace (Granddaddy). He and his young family were relocated to New Haven, CT by the Gulf Oil Co, whereupon he counseled service station dealers and was responsible for petroleum product sales at all Gulf Oil service stations from New Haven east to Rhode Island and west to New York. Tony is a proud community servant. He is an active member of the New Haven Knickerbockers Golf Club, Financial Secretary and Treasurer of New Haven’s Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World- East Rock Lodge, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.-Eta Alpha Lambda Chapter, a member of Widow Sons-Prince Hall Masons, past Men’s Network Chair and Deacon of Dixwell Congregational United Church of Christ, past Deacon of Church of The Redeemer United Church of Christ and past Trustee and Scholarship Committee member of Varick Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. Tony is currently the Director of Enrollment Management at Gateway Community College, where he has assisted many New Haven students’ transition into higher education. He has been championing higher education for many years since his transition from corporate management to managing college admissions at the University of New Haven, Central Connecticut State University, and now Gateway. Many will recall Tony passionately competing in basketball at various New Haven and West Haven courts or in tennis at Edgewood Park and Bowen Field courts. He has, over the past couple of years, developed a passion for golf. However, his greatest satisfaction is watching his sons, Tobe, who coaches division one college basketball, and Tobin compete in professional basketball overseas. He now has a rising grandson, Tobe Jr., competing in various basketball leagues, and a newborn grandson, Tobin Jr., on the way.
Tony desires that we all remember to actively seek out someone to mentor, assist, and bring along to be a successful contributor to our community.
Janae Reid
Promise Advocate
reidj13@southernct.edu
Janae Reid is a Promise Advocate GA in the University Access Program (UAP). She was born in New Haven, CT, and comes from a Jamaican background. Janae is an alumnus of the New Haven Promise Scholar and attended Southern Connecticut State University. In 2022, she transferred from Gateway Community College after earning her Associate's degree in Criminal Justice through the TAP-transfer ticket program. Janae graduated with a bachelor's degree in Sociology, with a concentration in Criminal Justice and a minor in Forensic Science, graduating with Cum Laude honors.
She has experience working with high school students enrolled in the Gateway to College program, assisting them in completing assignments and providing math tutoring. Janae has a keen interest in working with juveniles and making a positive impact within the juvenile community. Her time in college allowed her to develop leadership, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, as well as emotional intelligence that continues to shape her personal growth.
Romeo Rivera
AmeriCorps VISTA
riverar20@southernct.edu
(203) 392-5362
Romeo Rivera is an AmeriCorps VISTA. He was born in Waterbury, CT, and is a first-generation student and SCSU graduate in 2023 with a degree in philosophy. While at Southern, Romeo was an Orientation Coordinator, Residential Advisor, and became a member of the Omicron Theta chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Romeo is committed to ensuring that the students at SCSU are well-supported and feel comfortable in their environment. Within the VISTA position, Romeo will be working to advocate for low-income students and provide them with opportunities to grow themselves and the community around them.