EWING, NJ … The College is pleased to announce the appointment of Derek Westbrook to the position of executive director of Academic Support Programs. Westbrook will lead TCNJ’s Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) and Center for Academic Success, and will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies and initiatives to enhance students’ educational and social experiences, improve retention and graduation rates and reduce time-to-degree.
Prior to his appointment at TCNJ, Westbrook managed judicial affairs and precollege programs and taught courses in African/African-American history, literature and psychology at several institutions. Most recently, Westbrook directed the Higher Education Opportunity Program and Academic Support Center at The Sage Colleges in New York.
Magda Manetas, co-chair of the screening committee, said, “I eagerly anticipate Mr. Westbrook’s arrival and know that he is going to be a wonderful asset to the Division of Student Affairs and the College. Derek is uniquely prepared to provide strong, skilled and effective leadership for the Academic Support Program.”
Westbrook earned a BA in African/African-American studies from the State University of New York at Albany and an MA in Black culture studies from The Ohio State University. He is a PhD candidate in educational administration and policy studies at SUNY Albany and plans to defend his dissertation later this year.
Westbrook will assume this position on August 10.