Skip to main content

Welcome: DaSheek Akwenye, Director of the Center for Health and Counseling

DaSheek Akwenye Director of Center for Health and Counseling, standing smiling in front of the entrance to his new department
DaSheek Akwenye Director of Center for Health and Counseling

Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) is pleased to announce DaSheek Akwenye as the new Director of the Center for Health and Counseling (CHC). DaSheek, along with the staff of CHC, will continue to provide resources for SLCC students to help them succeed in every aspect in and out of the classroom. His university experience inspired him to help provide a safe space for students, and he wants students to know that “regardless of what they are going through, we can work through it,” says DaSheek.

DaSheek, originally from Namibia, came to Utah in 2002 as an international student-athlete at Utah Valley State College (USVC), now Utah Valley University (UVU). After completing his Associate Degree from UVSC, he transferred to Utah State University (USU), where he obtained his undergrad and graduate degrees. Before joining SLCC as the Director for CHC, DaSheek served as the Recreation Director and Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer at UVU. DaSheek, who is passionate about higher education and helping students, says, “I want students to know that they belong here by providing them a space to ensure that they are successful.”

In his free time, DaSheek enjoys running, playing soccer and being a parent to his children. He also enjoys mindful meditation to care for his mental health and cooking Namibian food.



 

 





Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Rev Up Your Future at SLCC Annuals Hop into College

SLCC West Valley Center will be opening its doors on Friday, August 2, from 6-9 pm for their annual lowrider event that celebrates the automotive culture and welcomes current, past, and future Bruins into the SLCC community. This unique event allows lowriders to showcase their vehicles and for spectators to witness the creativity, craftsmanship, and passion that goes into a lowrider car. From the sleek custom paint jobs to the impressive hydraulics showcased at the hop-off, attendees get immersed in the vibrant culture created by SLCC West Valley’s community. Beyond the car show, Hop into College provides prospective students and their families the opportunity to explore SLCC, engage with their future peers, staff and faculty and obtain valuable insight into the degrees and programs offered. Furthermore, the community is provided with countless beneficial resources not only as an SLCC student but as a community member. Whether interested in learning more about the lowrider community o...

The Center for Prior Learning Receives an Honorable Mention

Today, SLCC's Credit for Prior Learning department received an Honorable Mention from the  Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL ) and the  Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education  for its intentional approach and for expanding student options to receive credit for prior learning.  Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)  allows students to obtain college credit for knowledge and skills acquired outside of the traditional academic environment. This is exceptionally beneficial for adult learners, who, according to CAEL, have a 17% higher chance of graduating compared to those adults who don’t earn credits through prior learning programs. The CPL department at SLCC was created in 2020 and since then the volume of students served has grown as the department continues to expand. To be eligible for CPL, students must be working towards a degree, certificate, or apprenticeship. Director of Credit for Prior Learning at SLCC, Andrea Tipton, mentioned fee...

Board of Higher Ed names Gregory F. Peterson 9th SLCC President

The Utah Board of Higher Education unanimously selected Gregory F. Peterson, Ed.D., as the ninth president of Salt Lake Community College today, following an extensive national search. Peterson will assume the position on July 1, 2024, and succeeds Deneece G. Huftalin, who served as president from 2014-2024.   “I’m humbled by the opportunity to serve as Salt Lake Community College’s next president, and I look forward to reinforcing SLCC’s commitment to providing educational pathways for transfer and workforce that improve the lives of every member of our community,” Peterson said. “SLCC has an amazing future ahead, and I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of that journey.”   As part of its delegated duties and responsibilities, the SLCC Board of Trustees named an  11-member committee  in December 2023 to conduct a national search for the next president of SLCC. The committee is composed of representatives from the Utah Board of Higher Education and SLCC trustees, facul...