Dawn Person is Professor Emeritus in the Educational Leadership Department at California State University, Fullerton. She serves as the Director of the Center for Research on Educational Access and Leadership (C-REAL), a solution-focused, data-driven research center that serves community partners in Los Angeles and Orange county as well as national and international associates committed to issues of educational leadership and student achievement. Throughout her tenure at CSU Fullerton, she served as coordinator of the higher education programs, the doctorate in Community College Leadership and the masters of Science in education with a concentration in student affairs. Prior to her decade of college teaching, Dawn served as a counselor, advisor, and administrator in student affairs, coordinator of programs and services in support of students of color, international students, first-year students, and student athletes. She serves as a consultant to colleges and universities on program evaluation, student retention, organizational change, and equity issues. Dr. Person has co-authored books and written numerous articles and book chapters on student retention for African Americans, and women and student athletes of color. Among her many honors and awards, Dawn received the American College Personnel Association’s Diamond Honoree Award, a lifetime achievement award and the Most Valuable Professor Award. She remains active with the ACPA, NASPA, and other professional associations.