Fostering a Genuine University Community

Alesha Knox, director of Cultural Programming and Black Student Services, is responsible for a broad scope of programs, support structures and initiatives, as well as advising, mentoring and collaborating with cultural clubs and organizations in support of the mission of the Center for Multicultural Services. Her particular emphasis supports the success and engagement of the University of La Verne Black student population. / photo by Camille C.Nan

by Thatiana Gibbs
photography by Camille C.Nan

In one word, Alesha Knox would describe the work that she does as “justice.” In another word, she would describe herself as a “champion.” Alesha, director of Multicultural Programming and Black Student Services at the University of La Verne, is a trailblazer of support for Black students and holds a deeply rooted passion for fostering inclusivity and belonging in higher education.

Raised in the southern state of Mississippi, Alesha witnessed firsthand the gap in knowledge correlated with the shift toward social justice and equity that has become prominent in the United States in recent decades. Her journey in education began as a graduate assistant at the University of Southern Mississippi, where she first discovered the transformative power of student development. In this role, she worked closely with students, providing academic coaching and organizing events that supported their holistic success.

After earning her master’s degree in higher education with an emphasis on student affairs, Alesha began her professional educational journey in admissions at the University of Redlands. She later moved into a leadership role, gaining the opportunity to create her own position—a blend of recruitment and operations. She took charge of overseeing campus tour guides and transforming the program into a welcoming experience that made students feel they belonged from the moment they set foot on campus. Her knack for turning challenges into opportunities became a hallmark of her career. Reflecting on those early hands-on moments that shaped her career aspirations, she shares, “I’m constantly chasing that job that I had.”

At Redlands, she balanced leadership roles in admissions and student services while pursuing her growing passion for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). She co-founded a Black faculty and staff association, which offered a much-needed support system that advocated for Black students and staff. Her teaching and advising responsibilities further deepened her DEI commitment, as she helped students launch initiatives aligned with their passions – especially initiatives that advocated for the needs of marginalized communities. Her passion for these efforts laid the groundwork for her current work on campus.

Alesha’s decision to join ULV was grounded in a sense of belonging that she felt during her interview with Alexandra Burrel, former associate vice president and chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer. “I felt welcomed, safe and seen,” Alesha recalls, noting the University’s openness to restorative justice and potential for growth in efforts for DEI. Meeting ULV students further solidified her choice. She saw an opportunity to build a community where diverse perspectives thrive, and students feel valued and empowered. “She’s stepped up in ways that we could have never imagined—innovative in her thinking, her ideas, and the way she approaches the work in a person-centered way,” Burrel says.

Alesha’s impact at ULV extends beyond her title. Her work not only transforms the student experience but also strengthens the foundation of the Center for Multicultural Services (CMS). Through her leadership, she spearheaded initiatives that exemplified her vision for community building. She played a pivotal role in supporting organizations like Sisters of Essence and Kings Ascension, which focus on leadership, skill-building and scholarships for Black students. Additionally, she helped bring some of the Divine Nine Greek organizations back to campus, emphasizing their academic, community and fellowship values. “I felt like our students needed that here,” Alesha says.

Her work extends beyond student groups. Through collaboration with the Black Student Union and the CMS, Alesha formed initiatives that address food insecurity year-round, and made sure meals are provided to students during breaks. “Since Alesha joined, she’s brought us together as a community. She’s consistent—consistent in sharing news, providing resources and letting us know what’s going on both on and off campus,” says Akiyah Tribble, president of the Black Student Union.

Alesha has launched several key initiatives, including the Access Program for foster youth, and the Belongingness Series, which explores systemic issues like racism and sexism. She is also a strong supporter of the annual Multicultural Graduation. “She’s helped bring Black and Latino students together. We share a lot in common, like being first-generation students. Many of our parents didn’t finish high school or college, and she understands that and supports us,” says Tribble.

Alesha’s approach to DEI is holistic and action-oriented. “Diversity isn’t just having one of each race or nationality [present],” she says. “It’s about diverse thought and creating spaces where people feel they belong, are valued and have equitable opportunities.” For Alesha, equity and inclusion go beyond policies and procedures—they are about fostering genuine community. She encourages students to take an active role in shaping their campus experience. “Speak up, use your voice. It matters,” she emphasizes. Her leadership style is collaborative, grounded in the belief that true progress requires collective effort. “I didn’t do it alone—it took others saying ‘yes,’” she says.

Daniela Loera, director for multicultural affairs, who has served at ULV for 24 years, has witnessed the University’s evolution in meeting students’ needs. His partnership with Alesha has brought new energy and innovation to the campus community. Loera describes Alesha as “super dynamic,” noting her passion and dedication to fostering engagement and equity on campus. Alesha’s initiatives, like the Living Learning Communities and the Access Program, have deeply resonated with students, creating opportunities for connection and growth. However, these programs also require significant effort from CMS staff. “It’s definitely life-giving work for those receiving it, but it’s also taxing for us on this side of the house,” Loera says, highlighting the challenges of balancing resources while maintaining high-impact programs.

Recognizing Alesha’s extensive contributions, the University administration elevated her title from associate director to director of Programming and Black Student Services. “The level of engagement was at the director level,” Loera shares. “She was doing things that were justified. It was equitable to have her compensated properly and to give her the title she deserved.”

Loera played a role in hiring Alesha and reflects on the qualities that set her apart: “The level of passion, energy and commitment I saw reflected in Alesha was what I felt would be an incredible complement to our community.” According to him, her ability to engage students with ease and her collaborative approach have been integral to her success. “She bends over backwards to meet the needs,” Loera adds, emphasizing her dedication to creating meaningful connections and initiatives.

Alesha actively fosters inclusivity through her presence at a wide range of campus events, ensuring that her efforts reach not just undergraduate students, but also those in graduate programs and the College of Law. Her commitment to community engagement is further reflected in her creative approach to accessibility—she introduced online components to retreats and community series, allowing non-traditional and graduate students to engage in DEI initiatives. This approach ensures that all members of the University community, regardless of their schedule or status, can participate in and benefit from these valuable conversations and support networks. “She’s worked tirelessly with partners in academic success, residence life, and academic advising to establish support systems and programs that are already changing students’ lives and their trajectories of success,” Burrel says.

Alesha’s leadership style is grounded in mentorship and collaboration. She takes pride in guiding her peers and colleagues by sharing her knowledge and insights, thereby elevating the collective understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion within the campus community. “The way she collaborates and partners with other offices has shifted mindsets at the University. Now the work doesn’t feel as one-sided,” Burrel adds.

The campus community has responded enthusiastically to Alesha’s leadership, with students and staff engaging in educational opportunities and cultural programming. Loera notes her ability to inspire students and lead initiatives that reflect the needs of ULV’s diverse population. “Even though the demographic may not be the most on campus, the need is great,” Loera says, acknowledging the importance of her work in amplifying marginalized voices and fostering inclusivity.

One notable initiative that exemplifies Alesha’s impact is the Path to Progress program. This collaborative effort between academic advising, the Academic Success Center and CMS supports students who are struggling academically, providing them with a structured pathway to improve their GPA. “There were at least 44 students last year who increased their overall GPA as a result of participating in the Path to Progress program,” Burrel reflects.

Whether through Living Learning Communities for first-year Black and Latino students, DEI training for faculty and staff, or the annual “Gaypril” and “Welcome Back” events, Alesha continues to champion initiatives that ensure every student feels seen, heard and supported. Her work at ULV is a testament to her unwavering commitment to building inclusive, empowering spaces in higher education. “She really is involved with her students. She comes to talk to them throughout the week. She doesn’t just wait for them to go to her. She takes the initiative to reach out first,” journalism major Angel Oprah says.

While Alesha’s initiatives have been transformative, she acknowledges the University’s past challenges in building trust around DEI discussions. Historical gaps in support and understanding required significant effort to rebuild confidence and create truly safe spaces for all students. Through consistent, transparent communication and a focus on building relationships across campus, Alesha has worked to restore trust and foster an environment where all voices are heard, especially those from historically marginalized communities. “When I arrived five years ago, there had been harm done, and a lot of people didn’t trust or feel comfortable having these conversations. Alesha’s work has helped create safe spaces for discussions about diversity, equity and inclusion,” Burrel says.

Recognizing the limitations of staffing and institutional resources, Alesha has made resource advocacy a key part of her strategy. She continuously highlights the need for increased support, both in terms of personnel and funding, to allow her initiatives to grow and have a broader impact. By aligning her programs with the specific needs of the student population, she has developed innovative ways to maximize the existing resources, demonstrating how DEI efforts can thrive even with limited support.

Alesha Knox’s unwavering commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion has not only transformed the University of La Verne but also left an indelible mark on the students, staff and community she serves. Through her visionary leadership, she has fostered a culture of belonging, advocating for marginalized voices and ensuring that students from all backgrounds have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. Her collaborative spirit, innovative programming and dedication to mentorship continue to inspire and empower those around her, making Alesha not just a director, but a true champion of justice in higher education.

DEI at ULV

We can make a difference, together

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives are pivotal to creating a campus environment that fosters belonging for all students. According to Alesha Knox, director of Multicultural Programming and Black Student Services, there are several meaningful ways that both students and faculty can contribute to the ongoing development of a truly inclusive community.

Championing Student-Led Initiatives: One of the most powerful ways students can influence DEI on campus is by bringing forward new ideas and advocating for change. Alesha encourages students to use their voices to propose initiatives that reflect their needs and experiences. Whether it is starting a new cultural group, hosting events or supporting underrepresented communities, students have the ability to make a direct impact by actively engaging in DEI efforts. Faculty can also play a critical role by supporting these initiatives, offering guidance and helping students navigate institutional channels to bring their ideas to fruition.

Collaborating Across Departments and Organizations: Collaboration is key in advancing DEI. According to Alesha, one of the most effective ways to make a lasting impact is for students and faculty to partner across various campus departments, student organizations and cultural groups. Working together amplifies resources, reach and influence, and helps ensure that DEI programming remains meaningful and far-reaching. Students can team up with the Center for Multicultural Services and other campus organizations to create programs that go beyond surface-level engagement and address deeper issues of systemic inequality.
Fostering a Culture of Education and Empathy: Alesha emphasizes the importance of learning about diverse experiences, histories and perspectives to build understanding and respect for all. Students can engage in programming like the Belongingness Series, which tackles various “isms” such as racism, sexism and ableism. Faculty members can incorporate DEI education into their teaching and actively foster a classroom environment where all students feel heard and valued. By committing to learning and creating spaces for honest dialogue, both students and faculty help shape a campus community that thrives on inclusivity and mutual respect.