La’Tonya Rease Miles

A first-generation college graduate and former stop-out student, La'Tonya (or LT) has overseen portfolios that include: First-Year Experience, Student Activities (including student government, TRIO programs, leadership and clubs, and major campus events such as student orientation), non-traditional student programs, mental health service, and more. She regularly consults with institutions nationally concerning first-gen students and also has advised local high schools about developing programs on their campus.  As part of her ongoing professional service, she has served on key workgroups, task forces, committees, and initiatives geared toward diversity, wellness, equity, access, and both academic and social support for students, especially low-income, non-traditional, and/or students of color; she continues to serve on campus, regional, and national advisory boards that impact strategies and practice on broad and comprehensive levels for first-gen and first-year college students at both four-year universities and two-year community colleges. Finally, she established and manages a national Facebook group, "Empowering First Generation Students" and is the Chief Strategist for the "First Gen & Juice" brand.  

La'Tonya earned a B.A. degree from the University of Maryland, College Park and a doctorate from UCLA.  She is passionate about NBA basketball, college football, “Friday Night Lights," and "The Flash."