HOLYOKE – Holyoke Community College is pleased to announce that Julissa Colón of South Hadley has been selected as the college’s first dean of student experience.
Colón, 44, is a 2013 graduate of HCC. She started working at the college in 2010 as a clerk for the Gateway to College program and earned her associate degree in liberal arts. With the help of HCC’s Pathways Program, she transferred to Smith College, where she received a bachelor’s degree in Latin American Studies and History and was subsequently hired as special programs coordinator for Gateway to College. While continuing to work full time, she earned a master’s degree in public administration and a graduate certificate in gender leadership and public policy at the University of Massachusetts Boston.
In 2020, Colón was hired as the inaugural director of El Centro, HCC’s bilingual support program.
Now, as the first dean of student experience, she oversees new student programs, including orientation; Student Engagement, which includes student clubs and activities; wellness programs, including the college’s on-campus partnership with the Center for Human Development; and Commencement. She also serves as chair of the HCC Care Team and as the student conduct officer.
“Julissa brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this position, including program development and implementation, assessment of program outcomes, budgetary oversight, and strengthening HCC’s position as a Hispanic Serving Institution,” said Renee Tastad, assistant vice president of student affairs and enrollment management. “What sets her apart, however, is her 15 years of experience working directly with HCC students.”
Colón started her new job in January. “I genuinely love HCC,” she said. “I love our students. I love the staff and faculty that I work with. I love what HCC imagines itself to be, and I say ‘imagines itself’ because we are always striving to be better.”
Colón grew up in Springfield and is the mother of two grown children, Christian Aponte, 20, and Luna Aponte, 25, a 2021 HCC graduate.
“HCC has been my home for so long, said Colón. “I’ve been here for 15 years and the amount of growth that I’ve experienced as a student, as the parent of a student here, as the aunt of a student here, is tremendous. My family has been here. My friends are here. My folks come here. My commitment to my community is here.” ■