May 25 — Jacquida Mars, Hampshire College’s new Director for Domestic BIPOC & International Student Success, started at the college on April 3rd, taking on the responsibilities associated with John Wildman’s role as Director of International Student Services, who left the college last October; as well as serving as a member of the CARE team and as a Community Standards Officer.
“My role isn’t just about supporting students—it’s about rewriting the narrative of who thrives in higher education.”
Jacquida Mars, Dir. Domestic BIPOC & International Student Success
Mars was previously Interim Director of Multicultural Affairs at Bay Path University, Assistant Director of Alumni and Parent Engagement for Affinity & Identity Programs at Connecticut College, Program Coordinator for Career & Life Design at Trinity College, and Student Resource Coordinator at the University of Connecticut. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Crime, Law, and Justice from the University of Connecticut, a Master of Arts in Public Policy from the University of Hartford, and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Educational Leadership for Social Justice at Trinity College.
Mars told Leapfrog “My role isn’t just about supporting students—it’s about rewriting the narrative of who thrives in higher education. Every BIPOC and international student brings brilliance and resilience to our campus, and my mission is to ensure their stories are seen, heard, and empowered to shape the future.”
Senior Vice President for Justice, Equity, and Antiracism, Dr. Sheila Lloyd thanked the members of the search committee that hired Mars: students Prisca Afantchao and Marie Chiu, Senior Director of JEA for Student Success and Engagement Jenny Kurtz, and Director for Community Advocacy Latoyya Pleasant. Senior Vice President Lloyd also thanked Assistant Director of Student Engagement Jasmine Chatman, Jenny Kurtz, and Latoyya Pleasant for filling many of the responsibilities of Mars’ role in the period between John Wildman’s departure and Mars joining the college.
After Wildman left the college, the role of International Services Director was planned to be eliminated, permanently distributing its responsibilities among other staff, but administration received intense push back from the international student community last semester, and these responsibilities have now been reconcentrated in Mars’ new position.
REVIEWED BY: Verne Gulley, Phe O’Leary, Kenzie Doherty
