Desiree Padron

Bio: "My name is Desiree Padron, and I am originally from Denton, Texas. I have a bachelor's degree in Secondary Education and Spanish and master's degree in Public Administration both from UNT. Before taking on the role of director of the First Generation Success Center, I worked with the federal TRIO programs Student Support Services for ten years."
What does your role entail/what do you do: "In my role, I am building the new First Generation Success Center at UNT to increase support and resource services for the first-generation student population on campus."

What is your favorite part about working at UNT: "Working with students to engage opportunities and celebrating their success, especially for the first-generation community. Seeing the pride on their faces and the faces of their families as they celebrate their accomplishments is life-changing. I also really love campus-wide events."

How have UNT students impacted your life: "Inspiration; Students inspire me towards new goals for myself every day. I see their grit and tenacity first-hand, and they remind me how impactful extending the smallest bit of support can have on a student's life."

Fun fact about you: "I come from a left-handed family. All my parent's children and grandchildren, minus one, are left-handed."

For more information:

First-Generation Success Center | University of North Texas (unt.edu)