February 14, 2024
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”—Philippians 4:13
Growing up, this scripture in the book of Philippians has always been one of my favorites. From this teaching of Paul, I realized that nothing I want to accomplish in life is impossible. No matter what situation I find myself in along this life’s journey, I am anchored in the fact that God will give me the strength to do anything he has entrusted me to do.
In 2016, I was hired to serve as the Director of the R.I.S.E. Network, and in 2019, I was named the Associate Dean for Student Success and Engagement. In addition to R.I.S.E., I began to oversee the Veterans Success Center while also providing creative leadership in developing, designing, and implementing social and academic programming for students that led to great success in retention and graduation rates.
I believe mentoring is a valuable strategy to provide students with the necessary support to achieve the goal of a college degree, become lifelong learners, and be successful in their careers. Mentoring plays an essential role in nurturing students’ success personally and professionally by providing information, guidance, and encouragement.
In January 2024, I was honored to be named Assistant Vice President for Equity and Inclusion/Student Belonging. In my new capacity, I continue to serve the R.I.S.E. Network and lead the Office of Multicultural Affairs and I am incredibly grateful for many of the administrators and faculty at the University.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not only important to and beneficial to institutions. Diversity allows for new perspectives, equity creates an environment to provide opportunities for individuals who need it, and inclusion helps all students and university stakeholders feel a sense of belonging and understanding.
Within The School of Education, Ceceilia Parnther, Ph.D., Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator, Department of Administrative and Instructional Leadership, and Aliya E. Holmes, Ph.D., Associate Professor for Educational Technology, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, provided the necessary support and guidance to defend my dissertation successfully. My son Isaiah, family, friends, and mentors continue to be the wind beneath my wings as I journey through life.
"I remain committed to doing all I can to learn and positively impact the lives of our students and campus community," said Sharod L. Tomlinson ’21 Ed.D. Assistant Vice President for Equity and Inclusion/Student Belonging.
“Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”—Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
View the St. John's University Land Acknowledgement