Kinyata Adams Brown of the Office of Diversity and Student Engagement has accepted a new position as the Associate Dean for Engagement Diversity Inclusive Excellence.
Vice President of Student Affairs Shelia Higgs Burkhalter informed students of Brown’s new role on Aug. 10.
Brown has worked at Winthrop now for over 10 years. As a first generation college student, she obtained her bachelor’s degree in history at UNC Charlotte before going on to complete her master’s in college student development at Appalachian State University.
Brown holds 17 years of experience in higher education. She has worked in areas covering studying abroad, residence life, Greek Life, multicultural programming, student engagement and diversity.
“I have the opportunity to help support and provide leadership for the student engagement and the student experience,” Brown said. “That’s inclusive to the diversity work that we do here in the institution.”
Although Brown knows her way around Winthrop better than most, she is gaining new experiences with her position as Associate Dean.
“It has been a good adjustment,” Brown said. “I have been learning about particular areas that I had background experience in, but for the past several years I haven’t directly worked in some particular areas, so this has been a transitional time as far as getting more direct experience and remembering some other skills that I used to do in previous institutions. Many of the areas that I’m providing leadership and support in are not areas I’m unfamiliar with.”
Brown’s colleagues have been a huge support system in the student affairs program, and say they are fortunate to work with her.
Director of Campus Programming Angelo T. Geter is currently working on Welcome Week with Brown and has enjoyed working with her.
“It’s been a pleasure working with Mrs. Brown. She is a staunch advocate for students and stretches herself in a multitude of ways to ensure their needs are met,” Geter said. “She specifically emphasizes diversity and finding new and creative ways to engage Winthrop students in order to make their time here enjoyable.”
Troi’ Williams, graduate associate for fraternity and sorority affairs, also finds Brown’s work inspiring.
“Passionate, team-player, focused, confident and energetic are all words that I would use to describe Mrs. Kinyata Brown. She has an infectious, bubbly personality that we are so lucky to have in our office,” Williams said. “She is also very knowledgeable when it comes to the operations of our fraternities and sororities because of her personal experiences as a sorority member. Kinyata embodies the definition of a true leader.”
Brown is a huge advocate for the advantages of experiencing college life.
“College is such a pivotal and influential part of a person’s life,” Brown said. “No matter at what point someone comes to college, whether it’s someone who is just outside of high school, someone who is older, or someone who is a parent.
“I think the college experience aids and supports who you can become to your fullest potential as an individual. You get the opportunity to really connect and widen your own network and support group by some of the people you’re able to interact from. We are very fortunate to have a diverse student population here, which is truly a gem for all of us.”
Students can be on the lookout for an upcoming involvement fair that Brown and her colleagues have planned for students.
“There’s a fall involvement fair on Sept. 9 on Campus Green, which is an opportunity for our new and incoming students from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.,” she said. “I encourage students to take advantage of the opportunity to check out various student clubs and organizations. There will be information on how you can join and become a part of some of those student organizations.”
