Sarah M. Childs Director of the Center for Student Diversity, Empowerment, and Community and Associate Dean of Students

About Me

As Director of DEC, I will focus my efforts on supporting undergraduate and graduate students of color, 1st generation college students and international students via programs, direct services and collaborations with student organizations and departments across campus.

A little bit about me…I was born and raised in Tucson, AZ with my parents and older brother.  I spent a lot of time with my mother’s side of the family who are Mexican and Chinese.  I grew up playing lots of softball in the sun of southern Arizona and then swimming a lot to cool down.  I went to Northern Arizona University for undergrad where I studied Elementary Education and Spanish.  I then went to UVM for my masters in Higher Education & Student Affairs Administration.  After completing my masters at UVM, I worked at Texas A&M and IUPUI in multicultural affairs.  I have been back in Vermont since January 2013 where I worked for 7.5 years in The Mosaic Center for Students of Color at UVM and also completed my doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies in May 2018.  My research focused on the wellness of Latinx undocumented college students.

Outside of work you can catch me spending time at home or out somewhere exploring places around Burlington or greater Vermont.  My mom now lives with me so we spend lots of time together too.  I love gathering with friends. I like all sorts of cultural events to learn and grow, concerts, travel near and far, reading, watching movies and documentaries, dancing, swimming, camping, bike riding, cooking, powerlifting, sports, world music (especially Cumbia, Ranchera, and Rock en Español), quests to find real Mexican food in New England and Benito Juarez (the greatest puppy ever).

Recent News

Sarah M. Childs (she/her/hers/ella), EdD,in July started work for the College as assistant dean of students/director of the Center for Students Diversity, Empowerment, and Community (DEC).
(posted February 2021)