About the Center for Student Advocacy and Community (CSAC)
CSAC Mission
Through educational opportunities, advocacy, and community building, the Center for Student Advocacy and Community (CSAC) supports the personal and professional development of UHCL students navigating the college experience. CSAC empowers students by providing essential services that meet basic needs, along with resources and education that foster learning, critical thinking, self-advocacy, and student success.
CSAC Vision
CSAC aspires to stand as a cornerstone of student success for all students to overcome obstacles, ignite their passions, and emerge as resilient leaders ready to make a positive impact on campus and the global society.
CSAC Goals
- Build partnerships across campus, with stakeholders and the community to create a support network for students.
- Nurture an environment where all students, including first-generation college students, low socio-economic students, and underserved populations have access to resources, advocacy services, personal development and exploratory opportunities.
- Foster a sense of community and engagement on the UHCL campus through the facilitation of community gatherings, community excursions and community collaborations.
Meet the Staff
Dr. LaToya Mills-Thomas
Director;
Center for Student Advocacy and Community
Phone: 281-283-2613
Email: MillsThomas@uhcl.edu
Dr. LaToya Mills-Thomas Bio
Dr. LaToya Mills-Thomas received her Bachelor and Master of Social Work degree from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, TX and her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Higher Ed. Administration from Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, TX. Dr. Mills has over 17 years of experience serving individuals, families and students in need, with 14 of those years being carried out in various student affairs roles in higher education. Those roles include: counseling and advising, student success, tutoring, career readiness, admissions/enrollment management, recruitment/retention and student advocacy. Dr. Mills is an eclectic, passionate and strong advocate for academic success, inclusion, retention, education and its propensity to change lives and build self-efficacy.
Ebony N. Brunn, M.Ed.
Associate Director, Outreach and Support Services;
Center for Student Advocacy and Community
Phone: 281-283-2617
Email: Brunn@uhcl.edu
Ebony N. Brunn Bio
Ebony Brunn graduated with a dual master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling from the University of Houston-Victoria. While there, she also obtained another master's in Adult Higher Education. She graduated from the University of Houston-Main with a bachelor's in Psychology and minored in Human Development and Family Studies. Ebony has accomplished her career by demonstrating, consistent success as a Clinician and Educator. She possesses an extensive background on developing and implementing action plans for at-risk students, racially and ethnically diverse populations, and underserved populations. Ebony joined UHCL in December 2019. Let her help you today!
Cynthia Parra
Coordinator, Advocacy;
Center for Student Advocacy and Community
Phone: 281-283-2576
Email: Parra@uhcl.edu
Cynthia Parra Bio
Cynthia is a native Houstonian. She has held several leadership roles in higher education and student affairs, which include Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programming. More recently she served as an Administrative Technical Specialist at NASA Johnson Space Center for the Artemis Mission Manager’s Team. She holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and History, as well as a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Lamar University in Beaumont, TX.
Annabelle Camero
Basic Needs Grant Coordinator;
Center for Student Advocacy and Community
Phone: 281-283-2559
Email: Camero@uhcl.com
Annabelle Camero graduated with a master's degree in social work from the University of Texas-Arlington. Her passion for working with students grew during her time at Comal Independent School District as a Family Support Specialist. There she supported 32 campuses and promoted academic persistence among McKinney-Vento students. She enjoys advocacy work within the school system and working with students to meet their fullest potential. Annabelle is thrilled to join the CSAC team as the Basic Needs Coordinator. Please contact her for any of your Basic Needs questions!