Dr. Symone McCollum (she/her)

Assistant Director

Dr. Symone A. McCollum (she/her) is a first-generation, Philadelphia-born, interdisciplinary scholar-practitioner who aims to curate authentic, collaborative, and community-centered spaces with and for college students. Currently, Dr. Symone joyfully serves as the Assistant Director for the Center for Student Advocacy and Community. In her role, she collaborates with students and staff alike to support the Center's programming and events, social media, marketing, and workshops tailored to student skill development.
 
Before her time at the University of Houston, Dr. Symone earned her Ph.D. in Educational Administration from Texas A&M University where she became a University Council for Educational Administration (UCEA) Barbara L. Jackson Scholar, and her master's and bachelor's degrees from the Pennsylvania State University where she became a Ronald E. McNair Scholar. Broadly, Dr. Symone's research examines the educational trajectories of Black women in higher education, non-traditional systems of support for historically marginalized students, student development at the intersections of identity, and digital media at the intersections of identity. Her work blends critical theories and methodologies, including Black feminist theories and Black storytelling methodologies. 
 
In her free time, Dr. Symone enjoys reading, exploring the beautiful city of Houston, hanging out with her partner and fur babies, volunteering at her local library, and going to the movies!
 
"I deeply believe that all students deserve to feel seen, supported, and valued as whole people on college campuses. I'm excited to join a team with amazing folks who mirror this philosophy in their commitment to students' wellbeing and overall success."