Sanders will join the WSP leadership team in fall 2019 and will work closely with Professor of English Andrea Rehn, who currently serves as director of the program; administrative coordinator Joanna Diaz; and members of the Whittier Scholars Council. A member of Whittier’s faculty since 2004, Sanders’ research investigates how racial ethnic socialization practices in child care programs contribute to child care quality, relationships, and children’s social and emotional school readiness skills. During her time at Whittier, she has been an active member of the Scholars Council, has taught courses in the program, and has sponsored and advised WSP students. Sanders’ priorities as associate director include student success, intentional diversity, and supporting advising. “I want to work toward making diversity intentional [in the Whittier Scholars Program] so that we ensure that we have an equitable space not only in feel but also in our policies of admittance because, if we do not, our continued growth could weaken the strength we all obtain through our diversity,” said Sanders.
