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Emilio, Assistant Provost, Institutional Equity at Willamette University: Advize Career Interview
A career in higher education administration, specifically in Institutional Equity, offers a dynamic path for those passionate about creating positive change.
This professional's journey, beginning with summer camp counseling and a state capitol internship, progressed through Teach for America and college access program leadership to a strategically challenging role as Assistant Provost.
The work focuses on fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion through committee leadership, strategic partnerships, and policy review, prioritizing initiatives with measurable outcomes.
Strong relational skills and organizational abilities are key, along with patience and empathy.
While the pace of institutional change can be frustrating, the profound impact on student growth and the opportunity to collaboratively shape a more equitable campus are deeply rewarding.
Entry-level opportunities abound, including grant management, college access work, and roles in multicultural affairs, offering diverse pathways to a fulfilling career centered on positive societal impact.
This professional's emphasis on broad engagement during undergraduate studies—from athletics to activism—demonstrates the importance of diverse involvement in shaping a successful and meaningful career.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Emilio Solano
Assistant Provost, Institutional Equity
Willamette University
Willamette University, 2009
Loyola Marymount University, Master of Arts, Urban Education: Policy & Administration and Lewis & Clark College, Doctorate of Education, Education Leadership
History, Art History
Education
Education
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Greek Life Member, Student Athlete
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Career Path of an Assistant Provost Institutional Equity at Willamette University
Emilio's career path, beginning with college roles like "summer camp counselor" and a state capitol internship, evolved through Teach for America in Los Angeles where "education...was everything" they ever wanted. This led to a return to Willamette University, first as executive director of a college access program, then to a newly created role as Assistant Provost for Institutional Equity and Community Engagement, leveraging strong existing relationships and diverse experiences in education and community impact.
Main Responsibilities Of An Assistant Provost For Institutional Equity At Willamette University
Emilio's role as Assistant Provost, Institutional Equity at Willamette University involves coordinating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, creating a university-wide DEI committee, and fostering strategic partnerships, such as with Oregon's tribal governments. A key aspect of the work is prioritizing key DEI initiatives from a large number of important, yet potentially overwhelming tasks, focusing on measurable outcomes related to recruitment, retention, and support structures for faculty and students of color.
A Day In The Life Of An Assistant Provost Of Institutional Equity At Willamette University
Emilio's role as Assistant Provost, Institutional Equity at Willamette University involves many meetings focused on retention, particularly of men of color and trans students, as well as policy review for equitable application; this allows time for strategic work, thinking "through what systems we need to build out" to create a more equitable campus for all.
Most Important Skills For an Assistant Provost Institutional Equity at Willamette University
Emilio's career progression highlights the paramount importance of strong relational skills, stating "all work is relational," a skillset crucial for navigating the complexities of roles like Assistant Provost, Institutional Equity, demanding "incredible organization" and prioritization amidst competing demands. The ability to cultivate and leverage relationships proved invaluable in transitioning to this new, strategically challenging position, even more so than previous on-the-ground experience.
Favorite Parts Of Being An Assistant Provost Institutional Equity At Willamette University
Emilio finds the greatest satisfaction in the challenging, strategic aspects of their new role as Assistant Provost, Institutional Equity at Willamette University, "taking a really complex problem and trying to figure out...solutions," while also focusing on supporting individuals to "be their best self" within the university community. This aligns with a career trajectory emphasizing growth and working directly with people, a shift from previous ground-level work to a strategic planning focus.
Biggest Challenges Faced By An Assistant Provost For Institutional Equity At Willamette University
Emilio's biggest challenge as Assistant Provost, Institutional Equity, is the slow pace of institutional change; moving from a nimble nonprofit setting where "the change was made right away," to a bureaucratic environment with "a lot of meetings" and multiple layers of approval, creates frustration despite a continued belief in the possibility of positive change.
Favorite Parts of Working in Higher Education as an Assistant Provost, Institutional Equity
Emilio's career in education, from teaching to college access programs and now as Assistant Provost, Institutional Equity, has consistently centered on witnessing "students grow tremendously," a process Emilio finds deeply rewarding. The ability to be part of this growth, from freshman year to graduation and beyond, and to engage in collaborative problem-solving with students, forms the core of what Emilio enjoys most about higher education's role in "identity formation" and building engaged members of society.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Higher Education Industry, According To An Assistant Provost Institutional Equity At Willamette University
Emilio, an Assistant Provost of Institutional Equity, highlights the diverse approaches to success in higher education administration, noting that while "detail-oriented" and "actionable plans" are essential, the role also demands "patience," "a suspension of judgment," and "empathy," particularly within the DEI space where a commitment to ongoing learning and advocacy is paramount. The importance of strong relationships is also stressed, though the varied styles in building and utilizing these relationships are acknowledged.
What an Assistant Provost for Institutional Equity at Willamette University Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Higher Education Industry
Emilio, Willamette University's Assistant Provost for Institutional Equity, learned that the role demands constant follow-up, "You got to be the pusher," reminding others of commitments and deadlines to achieve progress on DEI initiatives. The high turnover rate in similar positions highlights the significant burden and the need for proactive advocacy to ensure accountability.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Leaders in Institutional Equity
Emilio's career path to Assistant Provost of Institutional Equity was "non-traditional," starting with teaching and administration before transitioning into higher education roles focused on access and program development. Entry-level positions in this field include grant management, college access work, directing multicultural affairs, or even starting as a professor and moving into administration, with a doctorate potentially providing a "resume capability" advantage but not a requirement.
Significant Career Lesson From An Assistant Provost Institutional Equity At Willamette University
Emilio's most significant career lesson, learned early in their teaching career, is that "the work that you put in they might realize a year or two years down the road," impacting not only student development but also long-term institutional change. This understanding allows for patience and perseverance in the face of delayed gratification, a crucial attribute in roles like Assistant Provost, Institutional Equity, where policy implementation and societal shifts take considerable time.
College Experiences That Helped An Assistant Provost, Institutional Equity At Willamette University Succeed
Emilio's undergraduate success stemmed from broad involvement—"I was everywhere"—cultivating diverse relationships and embracing multiple identities, from baseball to activism to fraternity membership. This fostered strong professor connections, leading to career opportunities, illustrating the value of diverse engagement and relationship-building in shaping a fulfilling and successful career path.
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