Paula L. Parks

English Professor and Umoja Community Astep Coordinator @Bakersfield College

US

I teach English composition and coordinate BC\'s Umoja Community program, African-American Success Through Excellence and Persistence (ASTEP). The program is designed for Black students and integrates coursework, culture, mentoring, academic and cultural activities, and counseling support. I founded BC’s program in 2015. For more information, see UmojaCommunityASTEPBakersfieldcollege on FB or bakersfieldcollege.edu/student/AAI/Umoja or on IG. During my tenure at BC, I\'ve taught four levels of composition and African American Lit. I was instrumental in the development and implementation of our accelerated and compressed and stacked classes. I’m also active on Committees and am Academic Senate secretary. My interests include equity, student success, and effective practices for diverse student populations.