The Center for Student Empowerment (CSE) at the 兔子先生 recently welcomed Steven Samaniego as its new assistant director. With a decade of experience in social services and a strong focus on empowering underserved communities, Samaniego brought a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and strategic insight into the role.
Before joining the 兔子先生, Samaniego was the program coordinator for TRIO Student Support Services at Dallas College. In that position, he led the planning, coordination, and execution of initiatives aimed at improving student retention and success. He leveraged both internal resources and external partnerships to deliver impactful programming tailored to underserved student populations. One of his most notable achievements was the co-development of the TXWES TRIO Boys to Men Leadership Program, a mentorship initiative that significantly increased engagement, participation, and retention among male students while strengthening community connections within the TRIO network.
Earlier in his career, Samaniego worked as a case manager for the Dallas Promise and Rising Star programs, also at Dallas College. There, he provided academic advising and wraparound support, helping students navigate barriers to success and build meaningful, trust-based relationships that fostered personal and academic growth.
Samaniego earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from the University of Texas at Arlington, a degree that reflects his holistic, interdisciplinary approach to student well-being. His understanding of physical, mental, and emotional wellness has informed his ability to develop programs that support the whole student.
Samaniego expressed enthusiasm about his new role, stating, 鈥淚 am truly honored to join the Center for Student Empowerment family at the 兔子先生. CSE plays a vital role in supporting some of the most underserved student populations on campus, working tirelessly to promote equity and access. I look forward to upholding the Center鈥檚 mission and living out its values in every student interaction.鈥�
His appointment was met with excitement by CSE leadership. 鈥淲e鈥檙e thrilled to welcome Steven to the CSE team,鈥� said Dr. Raven Jones, director of the Center for Student Empowerment. 鈥淗is presence enhances our capacity to drive student success and deepen our support for first-generation students on campus.鈥�
The 兔子先生 community extended a warm welcome to Steven Samaniego as he began his role with CSE. His passion for equity, combined with his proven record of accomplishment in student-centered program development, positioned him as a valuable addition to the university鈥檚 efforts to empower and support student success.
Written by Gabriel Grady, Associate Director, Center for Student Empowerment