There's No Place Like CASA

Since Villanova’s Center for Access, Success and Achievement opened its doors, hundreds of Villanovans have found a home away from home. CASA, as it’s more commonly known on campus, creates a sense of belonging among the students and staff who form deep bonds over the tutoring and homework sessions, group discussions, counseling, informal get-togethers and birthday celebrations they share together.

“We understand that everything about the Villanova undergraduate’s learning experience is connected, so we accomplish academic and social success through holistic support,” explains Nicole Davis, CASA’s associate director of Retention and Outreach Counseling. “We provide comprehensive retention services and programs for the mind, body and soul.”

A Framework for Excellence

Initially established in the mid-1970s as a commuter program that served about 40 students, CASA’s mission and influence have grown exponentially over the decades. The office has also undergone a few name changes to reflect that evolution. During its previous iteration as the Center for Multicultural Affairs (CMA), the foundations were built for comprehensive programs to recruit, retain and graduate underrepresented, first-generation and Pell Eligible students. Under the vision and leadership of founder Teresa Nance, PhD, who is now Villanova’s vice president for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, the guiding principles of CASA were formed.

“The students we serve are oftentimes top of their class and high-achievers,” says Dr. Nance. “It isn’t the students who are underprepared, but it’s the high school that didn’t prepare them adequately.” To address these educational disparities, she says, “I knew we needed to have specialized counseling and to invest time and tailored resources into our new undergraduates through the transition from high school. Even more important, we knew that students required sustained support to guarantee their success in the University. Beyond the coursework, students needed reassurance that they not only belonged at Villanova, but they were Villanova. It is so heartwarming now to see our graduates building successful careers and proudly claiming Villanova as their own.”

Five years ago, the critical academic support services provided by CMA moved from Student Life to the Office of the Provost under the new CASA name. Linda Coleman ’78 VSB took the helm as CASA’s founding director—a role she sees as a calling and a passion rather than a job. “When I see our students graduate and take in all that they have accomplished since joining CASA, it makes me want to dance,” says Coleman, who has worked at Villanova for 25 years in various roles supporting students academically, socially and emotionally. “Seeing them grow into themselves, it’s awesome.”

Coleman oversees a team of 13 devoted counselors, life coaches and graduate assistants in providing academic, economic, emotional and social assistance to a yearly average of 350 Villanovans with a wide variety of backgrounds, experiences, viewpoints and beliefs.

As their students go on to win prestigious awards, pursue advanced degrees and launch flourishing careers, the CASA staff take pride in knowing they are helping to empower the future leaders of the world. CASA can count among their alumni: the director of the 2019 Student Academy Award winner for social justice documentary ; a journalist whose local investigative reporting earned him a Michigan AP Award; a Harvard Law graduate who advocates for children; and dozens of Fulbright, Gilman, Rhodes and Truman scholars.

Pathways to Belonging

Making students feel valued and cared for as part of a supportive college community takes careful planning, attention to detail and hard work. But it’s a labor of love for the staff of CASA, whose role includes coordinating comprehensive outreach initiatives and summer bridge programs designed to introduce selected students to the academic rigors and potential stresses of college life.

“We saw there were differences looking at retention rates by race and ethnicity,” explains Kristina Ruiz-Mesa, PhD, ’05 CLAS, ’07 MA, who founded one of CASA’s summer bridge programs aimed at preparing students for college. “These are amazing students who need community, and so we created a cohort program infused with not only academic material about specific courses but with retention strategies, workshops and early advising in order to give students a broad understanding of Villanova.”

There are currently three summer programs that fall within CASA’s purview:

Academic Advancement Program (AAP) Pre College Program A five-week summer residential program that provides students with an early introduction to college-level work and college life, and that builds community
St. Thomas of Villanova Scholars (STOVS) A residential program that provides selected students the opportunity to jumpstart their college careers through coursework, workshops and cultural experiences
Unitas Weekend A fun-filled residential, pre-orientation weekend designed to help new students become better acclimated and ideally become future leaders at Villanova

When speaking to students who credit the summer programs with their successful transitions from high school to college, the benefits are clear. Many share a similar sentiment to Gregory Damas ’21 VSB, who appreciated the opportunity to spend a week on campus prior to coming to Villanova. “That allowed me to get comfortable with my new surroundings and helped calm my nerves as a first-generation college student,” says Gregory. “The experience introduced me to other students that I remain good friends with and gave me a chance to establish my own circle within the larger Villanova community.”

CASA Director Linda Coleman '78 VSB supports students academically, socially and emotionally.

PHOTO: VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY/JOHN SHETRON

Putting Students First

Linda Coleman ’78 VSB has a knack for analyzing financial data. It’s what drew her to Villanova in the first place as an undergraduate pursuing her degree in Accounting.

Coleman is also quite skilled at analyzing situations and solving problems—talents she has drawn upon over her 25-year career at Villanova, currently serving as director of the Center for Access, Success and Achievement, a role she has held since 2016.

Pinpointing areas of the Villanova community that can be improved, particularly for underrepresented and minoritized students, Coleman works tirelessly with the University to implement effective programs and initiatives to close equity gaps on campus.

Among her proudest achievements: the Women of Color Scholarship Committee, which she helped establish to provide needed scholarship funds to underrepresented female students who exemplify the ideals of Villanova. Since its inception in 2001, the committee has awarded more than 30 scholarships to deserving women who distinguish themselves through excellence inside the classroom and out.

“Whatever the vision might be, Linda can take care of the logistics to make it a reality,” says George James, PsyD, ’01 CLAS, who has worked with Coleman for the past 10 years as a life coach for CASA. But it is Coleman’s heart and compassion for the students she serves that he finds most impressive. “Identifying the multiple ways students can experience stigma or challenge and then supporting these students so they can thrive and be amazing—that’s something really valuable,” Dr. James says.

As an undergraduate at Villanova, Coleman benefited from some of the same services that CASA offers through what was then called the Office for Social Action Programs. “Now, to be running the program that provides these services, it’s pretty incredible that I've come full circle,” she says. “I know firsthand what a difference programs like ours make, and it’s part of why I am so passionate about supporting our Villanova students in any way I can. It takes commitment and a lot of hard work, but I promise you it’s worth it.”

Ready to Take Flight

If you ask any CASA scholar what they are most looking forward to about graduation from Villanova, chances are Wildcat Crossing will be part of their answer. A recognition ceremony that started with the Class of 2017, Wildcat Crossing honors the accomplishments of underrepresented and minoritized Villanovans who have overcome major obstacles to graduate.

Held in advance of Commencement, Wildcat Crossing is a more intimate gathering. Graduates are recognized by name surrounded by those significant people -- family, close friends and peers, Villanova faculty and staff -- who supported them in their journey.

Knowing the difficulties and sacrifices endured by minoritized and first-generation college students, Charisma Presley-Dougherty '06 MS, retention manager in the Office for Undergraduate Students, was one of the architects of this special commemoration. "Wildcat Crossing is about celebrating those challenges you had to face, those long nights when you were cramming or crying because you really didn't think you were going to make it, but you made it," she says. "It's filled with stories of struggles but success, of hardships yet happiness, and most importantly of endings and new beginnings.

"Gregory Damas '21 VSB, who is serving on the executive board for the cross-campus committee organizing this year's event, says he couldn't agree more. "It's a smaller opportunity for students who have overcome some adversity over their four years to come together and celebrate the achievement of graduating and making it," says Gregory. "The music and dancing that we have, the speakers that we have, the raw emotion that we see from the students—it's a reminder that it is all worth it when you get to this milestone."

Setting Students up for Success

In addition to providing a nurturing environment where students feel valued and included, CASA oversees the awarding of specific scholarships, tutoring, academic counseling, a laptop loaner program and a lending library to help defray the costs of instructional materials that students may need for class. “My philosophy is, if we see a need, we try to do something about it,” Coleman says.

That includes relationship-building as well as resources. Through regular one-on-one meetings with assigned counselors and participation in success skills workshops on everything from leadership to financial literacy, CASA students have the opportunity to build a network, making connections with mentors and peers. In addition to academic and social events, CASA hosts village meetings, which offer students a chance to gather in a bigger group and connect, and #adulting101 events and workshops to prepare for life after graduation. All of this programming is designed to put students in the best position to succeed.

Supporting mental health is another key factor in success, which is why CASA has life coaches to empower students and help them adapt to the academic and social environment of college. “There’s been a huge cultural shift over the past 10 years where more students are acknowledging their anxiety, depression and challenges,” says George James, PsyD, ’01 CLAS, a former Presidential Scholar who joined CASA as the office’s first life coach. “And then you throw a pandemic on top of that, you add increased awareness around racial injustice and the stressors of online learning, and it ends up being a lot for many students who might need support.” Noting a rise in mental health issues in college student populations over the past decade, Coleman found the resources to add a third life coach to CASA’s staff this year.

“Beyond the coursework, students needed reassurance that they not only belonged at Villanova, but they were Villanova. ”

Teresa Nance, PhD

The Power of Connection

Another area where CASA really shines is its focus on following up. They just don’t deal with a problem and then file it away; they check in with students about everything from grades to personal relationships and future goals. “Part of what makes CASA unique is that we create that feeling of family,” says Coleman, who has a reputation for offering such reminders as to put on a coat when it’s cold out and being sure to eat something green and healthy.

“When you are part of CASA, you have access to so many opportunities,” says Gregory, who is grateful to CASA for helping him find a part-time job at a nonprofit, as well as lending him the registration fee for his first 10-mile running race. A connection Gus Jenkins ’16 COE made through CASA led to an invite to a spring break Civil Rights Pilgrimage to Selma, Ala. “That was a life experience I will never forget,” says Jenkins.

There’s also a strong commitment to giving back, with many students and alumni sharing their time and talent to help the mission of CASA. For her senior project, Laurenlee Dominguez ’21 VSB, developed a proposal in conjunction with a faculty mentor that she intends to present to Villanova leadership for review. Emboldened by the University’s commitment to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion as outlined in the Strategic Plan, Rooted. Restless., Laurenlee foresees a need for increased resources at CASA as the number of underrepresented and minoritized Villanovans continues to expand. “I feel so invested in CASA,” says Laurenlee, who will be the first of her family to graduate from college in May. “They are an amazing community of people who look out for each other, and they encouraged me to push the boundaries and grow. It takes a village, and CASA was my village.”

A VIEW to a Better Future

For the past 10 years, the Villanova Initiative for Engaging Women has been changing lives by opening doors of opportunity for girls entering their first year of high school. Committed to narrowing equity and access gaps that impact female high school students in the Philadelphia School District, the VIEW program -- an outreach initiative of the University’s Center for Access, Success and Achievement -- delivers academic mentoring and developmental resources to help steer those who are underrepresented and first-generation on the path to college and future success.

Nicole Davis, associate director of Retention and Outreach Counseling in the Center for Access, Success and Achievement, has overseen VIEW’s programs from the beginning. She is dedicated to empowering young women to believe in their abilities, achieve their full potential and lead in a positive way. "We live by the motto, 'Changing Lives, One Girl at a Time,’” says Davis. “For my part, that means providing support, mentorship and exposure to intensive programs that prepare young women, not only for success in college, but also in life."

VIEW alumna Nawnora Manosca '19 CLAS attributes the all-female preparatory program for giving her the tools and resources she needed to succeed. “The classes and experiences enabled me to start building confidence and become my own person,” says Manosca, a 2019–2020 Fulbright grant recipient who is now working at VIEW as a training counselor and writing tutor. “I love seeing these young women who carry so much on their shoulders being encouraged to express their creativity, strengthen their own voices and build connections with each other.”

In addition to the community and camaraderie, girls who are accepted into VIEW make a four-year commitment, which gives them access to SAT prep classes; leadership workshops; personal and professional development workshops; a two-week residential program that's academically rigorous with college-level expectations; trips and opportunities for cultural enrichment; and community service.

And with that support system in place, VIEW graduates go on to earn scholarships and attend prestigious colleges, including Villanova.

“There’s so much growth—VIEW definitely changes students for the better,” says Julia Nema ’22 CLAS, VIEW alumna and current program assistant. “After seeing girls arrive timid and shy, they transform into well-spoken, well-written, confident young women who are ready to follow their dreams and take on new challenges. VIEW helps to ensure that no matter your background, no matter your circumstances, you can do whatever you want as long as you put your mind to it.” ◼︎

Did You Know?

In 2020, the four-year graduation rate for CASA students was an impressive 89.23%, far above the national average of 52.8% at private colleges and universities.

In Their Own Words

GEORGE JAMES

PsyD, ’01 CLAS,
CASA life coach

“For students of color from marginalized backgrounds, the thought of going to someone to get support or help may not be familiar to them. Having people who look like them or are part of an organization like CASA where they feel like they already have some connection might sometimes be an easier point of entry.”

KRISTINA RUIZ-MESA

PhD, ’05 CLAS, ’07 MA,
founder of St. Thomas of Villanova Scholars

“CASA is a home space for students who aren't sure where their place is at Villanova. For students who are underrepresented, there's sometimes self-doubt about whether they belong here. CASA does a really good job of making sure students know their value and what they contribute to the Villanova community.”

JOSEPH MADERA

'22 COE

“In my freshman year, I received an email that I had been nominated for the director of Quizzo on the Campus Activities Team by my CASA adviser. Thanks to her silently behind the scenes pushing me in this direction and believing in my abilities, I am now teaching and leading other students as chair of Late-Night Programs.”

GREGORY DAMAS

’21 VSB

“Telling people that I needed assistance in college was tough because I was used to doing well in high school. CASA helped me build trust and self-confidence through a program where I met with other students, and we opened up about our struggles. It made me feel like I’m not the only one going through this and there’s power in knowing that.”

HELEN BAKER

’16 CLAS,
VIEW alumna and former program assistant

“Freshman year chemistry was the first time I ever failed. CASA helped me navigate that uncertainty and learn that it’s okay to rely on other people. Their support helped me on the path to succeed as a double major in Secondary Education and English and to find my calling as an inner-city teacher. CASA has profoundly shaped the person I am today.”

NAWNORA MANOSCA

19 CLAS,
VIEW training counselor and writing tutor

“CASA helped me adjust to living on my own for the first time. CASA helped me manage my anxiety and depression, and cheered me on when I became the first person in my family to receive a college degree. Any student who walks through CASA’s doors will tell you the same thing: CASA is our home. I made family there.”

LAURENLEE DOMINGUEZ

'21 VSB

“I didn’t feel like I fit in until CASA encouraged me to create my own space. I helped reestablish Villanova’s chapter of the Latin American Student Organization (LASO). When we had more than 300 attendees at our first annual block party, it was pretty obvious the group was needed on campus.”

GUS JENKINS

'16 COE

“In my senior year, I helped develop a 3D-printed smart business card that my Engineering team entered in the Villanova Student Entrepreneurship Competition. I had a feeling we were going to win, so when we came in first place, that moment was even more special because I invited CASA to the event to share the accomplishment of helping me reach my dreams.”

MARQUIS COATES

Success Program & Engagement Coordinator, CASA

“I oversee a male mentorship program called WISE — it’s an opportunity to positively impact young men, particularly underrepresented minorities, at Villanova. Last year, a few of our students came up with the WISE barber shop, based on the LeBron James series, where we have deeper conversations.”

�鶹��