Office of Community, Opportunity and Engagement

The Office of Community, Opportunity and Engagement leads student-focused initiatives including the Summer Bridge Program for incoming first-year students, the UVA Clark Scholars Program, and the Center for Connection in Engineering, a student space designed to help students succeed academically and beyond. The Office also manages UVA Engineering community outreach initiatives and partnerships benefiting Charlottesville and the broader community.
  • Two students at an event hosted by the Connect

    The Connect

    The Center for Connection in Engineering (The Connect) is located in Thornton Hall D111, just off Engineer’s Way. 

    The Connect is focused on building a sense of community among Engineering students and prioritizes the creation of personal relationships to help students feel connected to the Engineering school, UVA, and each other. 

    The Connect
  • UVA Rocketry team during Open House event

    Community Outreach

    Our students, faculty and staff work closely with local schools and organizations to create and support STEM programs for K-12 students.

    Community Outreach

Meara M. Habashi

Associate Dean for Community, Opportunity and Engagement

Dr. Meara M. Habashi is an expert in social and workplace behaviors who leads the Office of Community, Opportunity and Engagement for UVA Engineering. She supports programs including Summer Bridge, the UVA Clark Scholars Program, the Center for Connection in Engineering, community outreach initiatives, and partnerships.
Office of Community, Opportunity and Engagement
Email [email protected]
Phone (434) 297-8986

Amanda Fortune

Operations Manager
Amanda provides general operating support for the Office of Community, Opportunity and Engagement, including administrative support, budget oversight and fiscal management. She also serves as a human resources liaison.
Email [email protected]
Phone (434) 924-6598

James Bland

Director, Center for Connection in Engineering
James provides strategic leadership for programs that enhance student success, foster a sense of belonging, and promote academic persistence through The Connect. He offers holistic advising and oversees various development interventions to strengthen the overall student experience.
Email [email protected]
Phone (434) 924-6264

Katie Alexander

Assistant Director, Center for Connection in Engineering
Katie Alexander supports intiatives that strengthen belonging and student success. She connects engineering students with resources, opportunities, and guidance across academic, professional, and personal domains. She also leads strategic planning and assessment efforts that enhance community.
Email [email protected]

Alicia Cowan-Brown

Clark Scholars Program Coordinator

Alicia joined the Clark Scholars Program in 2022 as the Program Coordinator. Her responsibilities include program implementation, scholar engagement, and collaborating with various partners to improve the Engineering student experience.
Email [email protected]

Lakeshia J. Taite, Ph.D.

Clark Scholars Program Faculty Co-Director
Professor Lakeshia Taite, a Chemical Engineering professor and former Faculty Champion, joined the Clark Scholars Program as Co-Director in September 2024. In her role, she oversees Faculty Champions, co-teaches the Clark seminar, cultivates research and internship opportunities, and provides…
Email [email protected]
Phone (434) 243-7220

Esther Tian, Ph.D.

Clark Scholars Program Faculty Co-Director
Professor Esther Tian, a First-Year Engineering professor, joined the Clark Scholars Program as Co-Director in September 2024. Her responsibilities include teaching in the summer program, first-year advising, co-teaching the Clark seminar, and cultivating a peer mentoring program. She oversees…
Email [email protected]
Phone (434) 924-4570