Dewayne Stafford is the Ombudsman at Texas Southern University, specializing in conflict resolution and fostering a supportive campus environment. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Language Pathology from the University of Louisiana at Monroe, a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration from the University of Houston, and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Texas Southern University. Dewayne’s career has focused on student support, retention and graduation initiatives, corporate partnerships, and conflict resolution. As a first-generation college graduate, he is passionate about student development, particularly in supporting at-risk students, and ensuring they have the resources to succeed. He has held roles such as Assistant Dean & Director of Student Success at Morehouse College, Coordinator for Retention and Graduation Initiatives at the University of Houston, and Director of Legal Operations for national education nonprofit, OneGoal. Dewayne is also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African American men. With experience at both large research institutions and smaller colleges, Dewayne brings a wealth of knowledge in creating inclusive environments. His goal is to make significant contributions to America’s HBCUs and other minority-serving institutions and populations, advancing student success and equity at every level.
In a recent interview with Higher Education Digest, Dewayne Stafford discussed his experience with academic remediation support, facilitating career development, and academic programming. He shared his views on effective strategies for students, modern academic programming, future trends, and many more.
How do academic remediation programs help students regain confidence in their learning abilities?
In my experience, academic remediation programs do more than just teach skills—they give students the confidence and support they need to believe in themselves again. Many students come in feeling stressed, frustrated, and even defeated. As educators, our job isn’t just to help them catch up academically, but to remind them that setbacks don’t define them—they’re just part of the journey. This kind of support is especially important at historically Black institutions, where many students are first-generation and may not have a strong academic support system outside of school. That’s why I’ve dedicated my work to HBCUs like Texas Southern University and Morehouse College, where there’s a deep commitment to providing students with not just resources, but a community that believes in them and their potential.
What role does faculty collaboration play in supporting students who need academic remediation?
Faculty collaboration is absolutely crucial in supporting students who need academic remediation. Faculty are often the ones who have the most direct contact with students and understand their unique challenges. This gives them invaluable insight into students’ strengths, struggles, and progress, which is key to making sure that remediation efforts are coordinated and effective. To be honest, I don’t think it would be smart for any institution to create a substantive remediation program without involving faculty. In my experience, collaborating with faculty has always been one of my top priorities when building these programs. Faculty aren’t just experts in their fields—they know the students and their needs, and their input is vital in creating meaningful support systems. I’ve been fortunate to work closely with my faculty colleagues, and I truly believe that when we work together, the impact we have on student success is far greater.
How to integrate real-world experiences, such as internships and mentorship programs, into career development efforts?
Integrating real-world experiences like internships and mentorship programs into career development is crucial for helping students bridge the gap between what they learn in the classroom and what they’ll face in the workforce. We know that students who complete at least one experiential learning opportunity are more likely to land a full-time job after graduation. From my time in University Career Services, I’ve seen how institutions encourage this by offering course credit for meaningful experiences. This not only motivates students to pursue internships or externships, but it also shows them that these experiences make them more competitive and help move them closer to graduation. Ultimately, every higher education institution should aim to graduate students who are “career-ready”—equipped with the skills, knowledge, and real-world experience to thrive in the workforce.
What are some of the most effective strategies for helping students develop soft skills alongside academic knowledge?
Helping students develop soft skills alongside their academic knowledge is essential for their overall growth and career readiness. One effective way to do this is by integrating soft skills into the curriculum through collaborative learning experiences like group projects, which help students develop communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. I’ve also noticed that corporate partners and recruiters are increasingly interested in offering on-campus workshops for students, which is a huge benefit, especially at institutions with limited resources for these types of events. These workshops, focusing on skills like time management, leadership, and emotional intelligence, give students the professional tools they need for success. Finally, experiential learning opportunities—such as internships and service learning—allow students to apply what they’ve learned in real-world settings, while honing essential skills like adaptability, conflict resolution, and networking.
What role does technology play in shaping modern academic programming?
Technology plays a huge role in shaping modern academic programming by making learning more accessible, flexible, and engaging. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, students’ expectations have changed dramatically—they now expect digital tools to be seamlessly integrated into their learning experience. Gone are the days when students were satisfied with traditional handouts and outdated methods. Today’s students are digital natives who are used to AI-driven learning tools, social media, and interactive online content. They now expect hybrid models, multimedia-rich courses, and real-time feedback that mirror the tech-driven world they engage with outside the classroom. Technology has really transformed academic programming, making it more interactive, student-centered, and aligned with the expectations of today’s learners, while also preparing them for the digital world they’ll navigate in their careers.
What challenges do institutions face when updating academic programs, and how do you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges institutions face when updating academic programs is resistance to change. Faculty and staff, often set in their ways, may hesitate to adopt new technologies or teaching methods. From my experience, involving all stakeholders early—faculty, administration, and students—helps foster a sense of ownership and reduces anxiety around change. However, it’s important not to let reluctance slow progress; student success should always be the driving factor. Another challenge is budget constraints, which can limit the ability to implement updates, especially when new resources or technology are required. In these cases, creative solutions like leveraging existing resources or seeking external funding can help overcome financial barriers.
What trends do you see shaping the future of academic remediation and career development?
The future of academic remediation and career development is becoming more personalized, skill-focused, and outcome-driven. Colleges are rethinking how they support students—not just to help them pass courses, but to prepare them for meaningful careers. With funding increasingly tied to student success, institutions are under growing pressure to boost retention and graduation rates, making effective remediation more important than ever. At the same time, the looming “enrollment cliff” means fewer students entering college, pushing schools to focus on keeping the ones they have.
To meet these challenges, colleges are turning to adaptive learning, competency-based education, and career-aligned training—approaches that help students master essential skills at their own pace while preparing for the workforce. Career services are also evolving, shifting from short-term job placement to lifelong career coaching that helps graduates stay agile in a changing job market. As higher education faces new financial and enrollment pressures, institutions are recognizing that supporting students isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s essential for their own future, too.
What role will artificial intelligence and automation play in the future of academic support and career development?
AI and automation are transforming academic support and career development through data-driven personalization and efficiency. In academic support, AI-powered adaptive learning platforms deliver individualized remediation, while predictive analytics tools and early alert systems like that provided by EAB Navigate identify at-risk students, enhancing retention strategies. Automated advising platforms streamline student support, ensuring scalable, 24/7 academic guidance.
In career development, AI is accelerating skills-based hiring, leveraging algorithmic job matching, AI-driven career coaching, and automated application screening. Institutions are integrating AI-powered career readiness tools, optimizing resume development, interview preparation, and labor market alignment. As higher education embraces automation, the intersection of AI and human engagement will be key to driving student success and workforce readiness.