As associate dean, Alexander will support underrepresented students and students of color, while strengthening the sense of community among the university’s increasingly diverse student population. Alexander previously served as director of Diversity Alumni Programs in Alumni Affairs and Development at Cornell. Earlier, Alexander was director of special programs and initiatives at Eugene Lang College The New School for Liberal Arts in New York City, where she served as an adviser and advocate for underrepresented groups and as a liaison between students and administration.

“I started my career in marketing, where I learned to engage people and build relationships, and then moved to higher education, where I discovered my passion for working with and developing students,” Alexander said. “This position brings these two parts of my life together. I am simply ecstatic.”

Much of Alexander's work will focus on supporting students from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, low-income and first-generation college students, particularly in activities beyond the classroom. She will also serve as a liaison between various campus communities, including program houses, co-ops, fraternities and sororities, cultural student organizations, college advising and counseling offices.

Alexander will provide leadership for student diversity initiatives and bring issues and recommendations to the dean of students and other university leaders. She will also work with staff and faculty members to increase their understanding of student diversity goals, opportunities and programs, and to foster engagement in student diversity programs.