Dialogue Across Difference
Dr. Jennifer Pacheco has been named WashU’s new Director of Dialogue Across Difference (DxD). Pacheco joins WashU from University of Colorado, Boulder, where she has served as the Lead Dialogue Researcher and Designer for CU Dialogues. She brings with her extensive experience in higher education, including stops at Colorado State University, the University of Denver, and the Colorado School of Public Health on the University of Colorado’s medical campus.
“As we continue our work implementing a premiere intergroup dialogue program comprised of courses and workshops that foster civil discourse around all worldviews, Dr. Pacheco will be instrumental in expanding the reach of our programming on the Danforth Campus” said vice chancellor for student affairs, Dr. Anna Gonzalez. “She brings over 12 years of experience in enrollment management and college access, and eight years of leading and designing dialogue across difference modules.”
WashU’s Dialogue Across Difference program promotes open dialogue and freedom of speech. DxD was announced in February 2023 and is funded by a pledge from Thomas B. McGowan and Nicolle C. McGowan. The course helps students lead with civility, humility and understanding of diverse perspectives. Additionally, there are DxD workshops for faculty, staff and students. In the 2023-2024 academic year, over 1,500 participants engaged in DxD workshops and training.
Pacheco was born and raised in Pueblo, CO. She received her B.A. in Human Biology with a concentration in Education from Stanford University, her M.A. in Educational Psychology from the University of Colorado Denver, and her Ph.D. in Learning Sciences and Human Development at the University of Colorado Boulder.
She began at WashU on September 3.
Director of Student Financial Wellness
Andrea Stewart-Douglas joined WashU’s Division of Student Affairs as the inaugural Director of Student Financial Wellness in September. In this role, Stewart-Douglas will develop an educational program to support all undergraduate and graduate students as they learn to navigate their finances throughout college. This program will prepare students to apply skills learned here as they enter their first job, graduate school and beyond. Stewart-Douglas most recently served as the senior associate director for student & family engagement for WashU’s Student Financial Services. In this role, she was instrumental in providing leadership and supervision focused on exceptional service for students. In 2023, she launched the groundbreaking BEARS program — Being Economically Aware & Responsible Students—revolutionizing how students manage their finances and build a secure future.
The Financial Wellness Program will be co-located within the Taylor Family Center for Student Success. The Taylor Family Center for Student Success was announced in March of 2023 to set a ‘new standard’ for universities. The TFCSS is funded by a gift from Emeritus trustee Andrew Taylor, and his wife, Barbara. One of the key components of the Taylor Family Center for Student Success is providing opportunities for students to develop financial literacy, a key focus of Stewart-Douglas’ role.
“Financial literacy is a core life skill that will help all students nurture healthy habits and achieve financial success and security,” said Dr. Anna Gonzalez. “Andrea’s expertise will greatly enhance our students’ financial well-being and support our Healthy Excellence initiative.”
Stewart-Douglas received her B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Missouri-St.Louis.