FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - The UA College of Education and Health Professions has appointed Gigi S. Secuban director of minority services and student affairs. Secuban will lead the college’s efforts in recruitment and retention of students, including responsibility for minority student services, retention activities, and scholarships. She will coordinate the college’s Student Ambassador program to involve students in recruitment and retention activities.

"The college is fortunate to have Gigi Secuban in this vital role," said Betsy Orr, associate dean for undergraduate studies and student services. "She’s a proven leader. She has a demonstrated commitment to the university’s goals to increase diversity and outstanding experience in recruitment and retention activities."

Secuban comes to the position after four years with the university’s Office of Admission Services and College Relations, where she served as Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions. She has traveled extensively in Arkansas and surrounding states, where she developed effective relationships with students, school counselors, and administrators and markedly increased the visibility of the University of Arkansas.

Secuban noted that increasing diversity in all forms at the U of A is an important component in attracting new students as well as retaining current students.

"Through this position, I hope to contribute to the diversity initiatives within the College of Education and Health Professions and campus-wide" Secuban said. "I look forward to sharing my enthusiasm, knowledge, creativity and energy to promote the educational, social and emotional growth of current and future students."

At the U of A, Secuban has trained recruitment staff, designed training manuals and recruitment materials, coordinated alumni volunteers in recruitment activities, and developed and implemented a new program for incoming students of color. Her campus leadership experience includes serving as orientation leader, resident assistant, graduate advisor to the local chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, and representative to the Multicultural Affairs Committee.

Secuban earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and her master of science in health science with a concentration in community health from the University of Arkansas. She is pursuing a doctorate in higher education with a focus on administration of student affairs programs.