Staff Highlights

The department recognizes the following staff members for their positive energy, work ethic, and dedication to African American Studies.

Rachel Barcelona is the Graduate Assistant for Communications, producing the department newsletter and other professional writing projects. She is currently a full-time M.A. candidate for Speech Language Pathology.

Alysa Conway is the Graduate Administrative Assistant for the department. She is currently a full-time M.A. candidate in the Education Policy and Leadership program.

Marci Deloatch is the Administrative Coordinator of the Judge Alexander Williams, Jr. Center for Education, Justice and Ethics. Marci is an alumnus of AFAM, in addition to being one of the longest-serving members of the department.

Sharon Hodgson is the Director of Administrative Services. Sharon’s work ethic, positivity, and kindness are essential to the function of the department. Sharon is also an avid knitter and fosters retired racing greyhounds.

Rachel Schupbach is the Business Manager for the Department. She is a world-class team player, organizer and problem solver. Rachel holds both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UMD, and has worked in BSOS for over 8 years.

Marshal Washington is the Academic Advisor for the department, and is beloved by cohorts of students and alumni who seek him out for academic support as well as career planning. Marshal’s door is always open and his passion for working with students is central to the mission of the department.

Valerie Jones is the Administrative Assistant for the Judge AW Center. She has worked at UMD since 2016, and is currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at the University of Maryland Global Campus.