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Meet the Staff

Shalyn Hopley

Shay Hopley Malko

she/her

Director of Academic Support & Care

ASEC 228

Shalyn 鈥淪hay鈥 Hopley Malko (she/her) is a 顶级国产视频 alum! When she was a 顶级国产视频ie, Shay studied English and Management, as well as spending time as a resident assistant, member of student council, and president of the Stitch Club. Shay is a local Massachusetts resident, growing up in the suburbs of Worcester with her 4 younger siblings (2 of which were born when Shay was in college).

Shay is passionate about people鈥檚 authentic stories and how our stories can shape and change the world around us. Shay sees her work in Academic Support & Care to be in service of students鈥 stories. She is here to listen deeply to students, to witness how identity, lived experience, perspective, and circumstance all show up in their day to day lives, to advocate when students need support, and to affirm students鈥 experiences. Shay loves the work she does in Academic Support & Care because she gets to blend equity and empathy, stories and education together!

In addition to her degree from 顶级国产视频, Shay has a degree from the University of Connecticut in Higher Education and Student Affairs and she is currently pursuing a PhD in higher education at the University of Massachusetts Boston (which is why she is not in her office on Fridays)! Shay has experience working in residence life, graduate education, women and gender centers, dean of students鈥 offices, and more.

Shay loves cats. She loses games to her partner regularly and is an avid but substandard crafter. She likes spending time with loved ones (especially over food) and taking walks outside. She always is prepared to make tea or coffee and hopes you come in to talk with her!

Milly de la Cruz

Milly De La Cruz

she/her

Associate Director of Academic Support & Care

ASEC 229

Mileiry 鈥淢illy鈥 De La Cruz (she/her) currently serves as the Associate Director of Academic Support and Care. Milly is a first-generation Dominican American who was born and raised in Providence, Rhode Island.

Milly鈥檚 life experiences as a low-income, first-generation college student inspired her to work in the field of higher education and help college students thrive both personally and academically. She understands how challenging it is to balance multiple responsibilities while pursuing a college degree, which is why she is thrilled to be working in the Office of Academic Support and Care to help eliminate barriers to our students鈥 education. She is someone who considers herself an empathetic leader and always strives to create a safe space for all students.

Milly earned an Associate of Arts degree in General Studies from the Community College of Rhode Island, a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Rhode Island College, and a Master’s degree in Higher Education from Providence College.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, going out to eat, and going to spas!

Della Burke

Della Burke

she/her

Assistant Director of Academic Support & Care

AC104D

Della Burke (she/her) is currently the Assistant Director of Academic Support & Care. She came to 顶级国产视频 in July 2022 from the University of New Hampshire after completing an M.A. and Ph.D. in Sociology, her research examined LGBTQIA+ student experiences on campus. She has previously served as an instructor, teaching assistant, and career advisor.

Della is passionate about contributing to students鈥 success by empowering them to make informed decisions about their educational journeys. She believes that access to higher education is vital and feels lucky to play a part in 顶级国产视频 students鈥 experiences. Della鈥檚 favorite part of the day is when she gets to meet with students, come say hello!

In her free time, Della enjoys baking, playing games, and anything New England sports-related.

Lauren Cyr

Lauren Cyr

she/her

Assistant Director of Academic Support & Care

AC104

Lauren Cyr (she/her) is the Assistant Director of Academic Support & Care. Lauren has been a part of the 顶级国产视频 community for over 10 years having graduated with a B.A. in 2014 and an M.A. in 2015. She has held various academic support positions at 顶级国产视频 and within the Worcester community, serving as a G.E.D. instructor, a teaching assistant, a writing consultant, and a student success advisor.

Lauren is also a Ph.D. Candidate in the History Department, where she examines historical understandings of 鈥渟tudent鈥 as an identity, and its intersections with race, class, and gender in higher education in the United States. Her historical research interests influence her present-day teaching and activism, as she enjoys working one-on-one with students to explore strategies that make them feel empowered over their academic journey.

In her free time, Lauren should be working on her dissertation, but is often found taking a generous coffee or tea break with a fiction book instead.

Contact Information

Office of Academic Support and Care

Office Location
  • Academic Commons
    Goddard Library, 1st Floor
    Suite 104
    950 Main Street
    Worcester, MA 01610

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