Emerson launched an EmersonTogether initiative that it says aims to build bridges and engage in community healing after the fallout over pro-Palestinian protests and arrests last spring.
A number of administrators and faculty members are part of the three operational teams, focusing on content creation, capacity, and coordination. But four college officials will spearhead the initiative.
Here’s a quick rundown of the core leaders behind the initiative.
Christie Anglade (she/her)
Current role: Interim Vice President & Dean, Campus Life
Anglade assumed her current position upon Jim Hoppe’s departure in July. She joined the Emerson community in 2019 as the director of Housing and Residential Education (HRE). She also previously served as the associate dean for Campus Life, where she oversaw HRE, community standards, and Student Engagement and Leadership (SEAL).
Anglage holds a B.A. in psychology from Western New England University and a Master’s in higher education and student affairs from the University of South Carolina.
Jon Derek Croteau (he/him)
Current role: Vice President of Strategy, Innovation, and Institutional Initiatives
Croteau, a member of Emerson’s class of 1998, joined the college community on July 15. He has experience working with higher education boards, executives, and leadership teams, most recently helping develop the Washington State University Foundation’s strategic plan as senior associate vice president of administration and chief of staff.
Croteau earned a B.A. in writing, literature, in publishing (WLP) from Emerson, a master’s degree from Northwestern and a doctorate in educational leadership and administration from Boston University.
Shaya Gregory Poku (she/her)
Current role: Vice President for Equity & Social Justice
Poku assumed her role in Aug. 2022, after a national search was conducted for the position. She is a member of the President’s Council and advises the Board of Trustees, Board of Advisors, and Alumni Board on issues of equity and inclusion on Emerson’s campus. She also oversees the Social Justice Collaborative, which includes the Elma Lewis Center, the Healing and Advocacy Collective, and the Hub for Inclusive Visionary Engagement (HIVE).
Poku holds an M.A. in intercultural relations with a concentration in intercultural conflict management from Lesley University, a M.S. in security and resilience studies from Northeastern University and a B.A. in international relations from Agnes Scott College.
Alexandra Socarides (she/her)
Current role: Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
Socarides assumed her role as provost on July 1, overseeing domestic and international academic programs, and faculty hiring and promotions. She previously served in many roles at the University of Missouri, including associate provost, chair of the English department, faculty advisor to the chancellor, and director of undergraduate studies in English
Socarides is a scholar and teacher of nineteenth-century American poetry, a published author, and the recipient of several research fellowships. She holds a Ph.D. and an M.A. in English from Rutgers University, in addition to an M.F.A. in creative writing from Sarah Lawrence College and a B.A. in English from Bates College.
