Designing Student Life Through Equity, Voice and Community

Rahsaan Dunn, Manager, Student Development and Engagement, Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC)

Rahsaan Dunn, Manager, Student Development and Engagement, Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC)

To clarify, my undergraduate education is in business administration, but it taught me how to think in systems, manage budgets, and move with intention. Higher education gave me the why behind my work. My journey was always about impacting people and creating better communities. Those business skills still show up every day, I use them when I’m building programs, managing teams, or navigating institutional politics, but now they’re paired with a deep commitment to helping students grow. That mix shaped how I lead: strategic, steady and always centered on student success.

The values that drive me are simple: access, belonging and integrity.

I believe students should always have a real shot at the opportunities in front of them, no matter their background. I believe people thrive when they feel like they belong somewhere, when they know this campus is for them. And I believe in doing what I say I’m going to do. Those values stay with me whether I’m working with my team, advocating for a student or shaping a new initiative.

One project that stands out is the work we are doing to rebuild our leadership development programming. We are changing how we connect with current and new students. We are building confidence in students who normally didn’t see themselves as leaders and we are creating more leadership development opportunities that feel relevant and real. We want students to know the power and responsibility of their voice, especially students from underrepresented backgrounds. We believe that this shift will help improve communication between students and the college, and it will help push us to design programs that make students feel heard. Serving on DEI committees taught me that good intentions aren’t enough. A policy can look clean on paper and still create barriers if we don’t take the time to ask, “Who does this actually impact, and how?” Being in those spaces challenged me to slow down, question assumptions, and push for processes that include the voices of the people most affected. It also reminded me that equity work is ongoing, not a checkbox. Policies need to evolve as our students evolve.

“It also reminded me that equity work is ongoing, not a checkbox. Policies need to evolve as our students evolve.”

The biggest lesson is that community is powerful. When students have mentors and peer groups who understand them, culturally, emotionally, professionally, it changes everything. I’ve seen students gain confidence, navigate obstacles differently, and see themselves as capable of more than they originally imagined. And honestly, it’s reminded me of the power of representation. Students shouldn’t have to shrink who they are to fit into higher education spaces. The right support system helps them stand taller. I’m always learning, through conferences, articles, WTCS statewide trainings, and conversations with colleagues across the system. But I also learn a lot just by listening to my team and to students. They’ll tell you what’s working, what’s not, and what’s needed next if you’re willing to hear them. I’m not the type who needs praise; I actually do better when someone tells me where I missed the mark or where I can fill in the gaps. That’s where I truly shine. Also, I try to stay curious, I challenge my own assumptions and make sure I’m leading in a way that reflects both data and lived experience. I was taught that leadership is a growing process and I’m committed to that growth.

Student Life is one of the main connectors between the college and the community. When students feel supported and involved, they’re more likely to stay in school, finish their programs, and step into the local workforce ready to contribute. Engagement work also teaches leadership, civic responsibility and cultural awareness, skills that spill out into the broader community. When we invest in students, we’re investing in the neighborhoods, businesses and families that surround us.