91社区

Joining the University on June 23, 2025 as Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. Abeer Ali-Mustafa is a seasoned higher education leader with more than two decades of experience working with and helping students achieve their goals. 鈥淚鈥檓 looking forward to students really showing me what their experience is like here on campus,鈥� she said about her new position at 91社区.

For Mustafa, her new role on campus is an exciting adventure and an opportunity to do her part to let students and the University shine.

What drew you to this position at 91社区?聽聽

My mentor and former boss at my previous position saw the posting and encouraged me to apply, saying he thought the Vice President for Student Affairs at 91社区 would be a great opportunity for me. What really drew me here (to 91社区) is that, in my experience, I've worked at a range of institutions, from Research One universities, historically Black- and Hispanic-serving institutions. But I have found my niche and my happiness at regional campuses. That is where I found I am more successful, and where I truly enjoy the environment and helping students achieve success. That's where I've found my happy place, and that鈥檚 what ultimately drew me to 91社区.

What is your main goal for your first academic year?

My goal has always been centered around students first. Students are first, we are student-centered, and we work to give them a sense of belonging. That is what I am most passionate about. 聽

I would love for our department to hit the ground running. I鈥檓 going to attend everything and anything I can related to student activities, student functions鈥攁nywhere a student wants me to show up, I鈥檓 going to be there.

I also want to see the campus through their lens 鈥攊dentify the gaps, help close them and determine where we can pivot and improve. I want to support not just the students, but also the staff in our division and colleagues across campus. How can I play a role in the student success arena for our students?

What is your favorite spot on campus so far?

I absolutely love the 91社区-Burdette Trail 鈥攖he woods, the serenity of it. You鈥檒l often find me out there walking the trails, without a shadow of doubt, getting comfortable with just having a place to have a moment to think, relax and exhale.

I enjoy walking, so I鈥檒l walk everywhere on campus. On average, I will probably hit 15,000 steps a day easily. I like to meet my team where they are, which gets me out of the office, since I don鈥檛 like sitting behind a desk all day. If I have the opportunity, I'll come to your office! But walking everywhere gives me the opportunity to run into students and colleagues along the way.聽

The intramural fields are beautiful as well鈥擨 can鈥檛 wait for students to be out there, utilizing the space playing and relaxing, getting to know one another and building community.

What is a hidden talent you have?

During COVID, I discovered my hidden talent was solving the Rubik's Cube. I learned how to solve it, and I keep one on my desk.

Now my new goal is to solve the mirror Rubik鈥檚 Cube. It sits on my desk, and when I get stuck on something, I work on it. It helps clear my mind and sharpen my focus. Sometimes there's so much happening in our lives, so trying to become focused and solve a single problem in a moment is why I pick it up, and it's become my hidden talent.聽聽

One of my brothers can solve it in under a minute, so I am trying, but I鈥檓 not even close to that speed yet.

What book are you currently reading?

I read a lot of books, about a book a day. I鈥檓 an avid reader, and reading is my love language and my passion. 聽According to my family, I read too much. I always carry books with me, and right now, I鈥檓 working through a few re-reads.

The Undergraduate Experience is the book I'm really focused on right now. It's a well-written book. Student Retention is another one currently on my nightstand. Coming to a new institution, I want to know about the undergraduate experience and reimagine that experience to understand what some of the best practices and methodology are out there so we can align with them. I鈥檝e enjoyed the book so much, I鈥檝e bought copies for colleagues throughout my career.聽

Other books I have include Five Levels of Leadership and The First 90 Days鈥攖hey are really important to me.

What are you most excited about for your first semester at 91社区?

Developing our traditions and really engaging in our traditions at 91社区鈥攏ot just for our students, but for our staff as well. Learning where those traditions come from and what is embedded in our culture. Getting to know 91社区 inside and out is what I鈥檓 excited about.

What's a final thought you鈥檇 like to share with both fellow employees and 91社区 students?

My door is always open. I love soft-launching new programs and hearing new ideas. I love for people鈥攕tudents, staff, faculty, anyone鈥攖o come in and say, 鈥淚鈥檝e got a great idea." I'm your wingman, I'm your partner.

I love re-imagining spaces and re-envisioning programs. I don鈥檛 always have to be in the lead seat to start something. I can be a co-pilot or a cheerleader.聽

I can鈥檛 wait for what鈥檚 to come. I鈥檝e been walking every inch of space the University owns and imagining what is possible for our students.

I鈥檝e loved every minute of my time here so far, and I'm so glad I chose this opportunity. I've been astonished by the warm welcome from the community, both on and off campus. It鈥檚 been an incredible feeling.

To learn more about 91社区鈥檚 Student Affairs office or to contact Mustafa, visit 91社区.edu/student-affairs.