MCAE experiences a transition in leadership
MCAE Director Fernie Rodriguez resigned Jan. 17, leaving the organization in a transition period.
Multicultural Center for Academic Excellence (MCAE) student workers in their office in Appleby Hall in Minneapolis, Minn., on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. MCAE provides various services for first-generation students, students of color and American Indian students to support them through their academic experience.
By Natasha Delion
First-generation students at the university can find a home at the Multicultural Center of Academic Excellence, known as MCAE, where they, along with other students of color and American Indian students, are recognized for and supported in achieving their academic experience.
So when MCAE director Fernie Rodriguez (they/them) resigned in January to become the associate vice chancellor for student affairs at the University of Wisconsin, students and staff at the center expressed sadness about her departure.
“Fernie was just super awesome to have around, and I would always chat with them,” said Amira McLendon, a student worker at MCAE, who said more people are coming in and out of the MCAE office to cover the many tasks previously handled by Rodriguez. “I miss them a lot.”
Malinda Lindquist is now serving as interim director of MCAE and the Circle of Indigenous Nations, which Rodriguez also oversaw. Both provide various services, including peer tutoring, Living Learning Communities and student spaces in Appleby Hall.
According to the Office for Equity and Diversity, they anticipate initiating a search for a new director in the coming year.
McLendon said being in a predominantly white institution has its challenges. But Rodriguez was a good resource for first-generation and multicultural students, and it’s been important to have someone in their corner as a point of contact.
Rodriguez was a personable and approachable leader with an open door policy for students, said Daniel Morales Morales, MCAE interim assistant director of inclusive classroom climate. He said Rodriguez understood what it was like to be a marginalized student at the University and was familiar with the structures and systems of support.
Rodriguez “would always have time to meet with students who just needed words of affirmation, who had a question or just wanted to say hi,” Morales Morales said.
During this transition period, MCAE’s student support services have remained unaffected, Morales Morales said.
A new leader would have the characteristics of listening to students, help them find resources and advocate for them, he added. MCAE’s final goal for all students is for them to graduate from the university.
“That’s why we’re here,” Morales Morales said. “We don’t turn down anyone who comes who doesn’t identify as the people we serve.”
Most other institutions have a multicultural center for student engagement but not necessarily academic excellence, Morales Morales said. Because of this, the university stands out when compared with other institutions.