Dr. Christina Pantoja-Williams Honored

Dr. Christina Pantoja-Williams, director of Pre-College Programs at Millersville University received the "Keepers of the Flame Award" on Oct. 28 at the State System Summit on Inclusive Education held at Millersville. The award recognizes an individual from each of the 14 State System university campuses for their contributions to creating and promoting diverse, equitable and inclusive environments that cultivate a sense of belonging.

"Dr. Christina Pantoja-Williams seeks to serve students every day in her work. She keeps the needs of students at the forefront of everything she does," said Carlos Wiley, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, in his nomination of Williams. "She has worked with admissions to help provide tours in Spanish and print and online materials for students whose families may only speak Spanish. Dr. Pantoja-Williams also provides justice for many of Millersville's students of color. She works relentlessly to ensure students of color have the resources, education and information they need to be successful at college and retained through graduation at Millersville."

Williams is the advisor for the First Gems student organization which is made up of and serves first-generation college students. She also works with Lancaster City to provide advocacy and leadership within the Latinx communities. She also partners with the School District of Lancaster to provide pre-college programs as well as volunteer time to help SDoL with their programs/initiatives.

In addition, Williams serves on the President's Commission on the Status of Women and Cultural Diversity and Inclusion, helps with the Future Educator Academy, and has work experience in both student affairs and academic affairs. She volunteers for many campus events including the Wellness Fairs, Purple Carnival, Final Stretch, Ubuntu Day, Students of Color Graduation and many more.

Dr. Denise Pearson, vice chancellor and chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion officer at the Office of the Chancellor says the award honors those who make our campuses welcoming for everyone. "We celebrate and honor each of these recipients who have shown time and again that a commitment to academic excellence, DEI and student success can open doors of opportunity and strengthen each of our university communities," says Pearson.