Pathways in Education: A New Era for Isenberg Residential Academic Program

The Isenberg School of Management’s first-year residential academic program (RAP) has long been known as a vital resource for supporting new business students as they define their pathway at UMass Amherst and into rewarding careers. Formerly known as Partners in Education, the program has been renamed Pathways in Education this year, under the administration of Isenberg’s Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging(DEIB).

“Pathways in Education is perfect for students interested in entrepreneurship or business, or for those who feel intimidated by the college experience,” said DEIB Assistant Dean Jesenia Minier-Jennings. “We offer a nurturing environment that goes beyond academic support, helping students feel welcomed and supported throughout their entire college journey.”

Pathways in Education promotes access and inclusion for students entering the business profession and includes a first-year residential academic component for students from underrepresented or first-generation populations pursuing a bachelor’s degree from Isenberg. The invitation-only program features small, collaborative classes, which makes it a distinctive option for students who may not have had access to traditional college preparation. While students currently live in the Southwest Residential Area, next year they will be housed in Wheeler Hall, moving them closer to their academic home.

“Through Pathways in Education, students are supported to help them successfully create a pathway from high school to college-level work,” said Minier-Jennings. “It’s designed to prepare students with the content knowledge and experience to continue their coursework toward an Isenberg degree.”

The name change offers a refreshed approach that highlights the many pathways, access points, and opportunities available to students, she explained. The goal is to ensure that students are equipped with the resources they need to thrive at Isenberg, setting them up for success.

During their first year, students enroll in Isenberg and university General Education Requirement courses. During their sophomore year, students are provided a series of opportunities to remain engaged with both their chosen major as well as with DEIB advisors on their pathway journey.

During her first year at UMass Amherst, the RAP stood out to Gabrielle Kro ’23 as an initiative that celebrated diversity—and one that students like her could not only belong to but also thrive in

“Coming from a predominantly white community, I knew college would bring both opportunities and challenges, and I wanted to find a community that could support me as I navigated this new environment,” said Kro, who earned her marketing degree with a data analytics certificate from Isenberg. “Pathways gave me a sense of belonging and purpose. I also wanted to connect with others who shared similar experiences, and it provided me with that close-knit group I was looking for.”

First-year student Sophia Stessman is a hospitality and tourism management major. She thought joining Pathways in Education would be an opportunity to meet other people starting college.

“And then the location and scholarship sealed the deal and made me excited to see all the opportunities I could gain from joining,” said Stessman of the program.

Stessman was able to seize more out of the program because she was encouraged to engage.

“I got so much out of this program. I wouldn’t have attended the Isenberg Career Fair if not for this program, and that was an amazing learning opportunity to not only watch the sophomores, juniors, and seniors but to also interact with recruiters early in my academic career,” said Stessman.

First-year student Gabriella McAllister, a management major, joined the residential program because she learned about the benefits other Isenberg students got out of being part of it.

“I also thought it would give me the opportunity to gain new friendships as I'd be seeing the students every day,” she said. “I love living here. I learned what it’s like to have a community around me that is focused on similar goals.”

LEGACY OF MELVIN RODRIGUEZ

Formerly known as Partners in Education, the residential academic program was created in 2007 by Melvin Rodriguez, Isenberg’s former assistant dean of undergraduate programs, who passed away in December 2022. Students and colleagues appreciated the warmth and generosity he brought to all his interactions.

“Melvin’s impact on our students was enormous,” said Janet S. Fink, associate dean and Berthiaume Endowed Professor.

In its original iteration, Rodriguez recruited underrepresented minority students who had not been admitted to Isenberg—they lived together in the residence halls, and he taught a seminar that included guest speakers. He also took students on professional development field trips. If they maintained at least a 3.0 GPA, participants could gain admission to Isenberg.

“Melvin would be very pleased that someone is working hard to keep his program relevant and useful to underrepresented minority and first-generation students in Isenberg,” said Fink.

Carol Barr was associate dean of undergraduate programs at Isenberg when Rodriguez launched the RAP.

“Melvin’s impact on the students is immeasurable; he certainly provided a personal touch in the recruitment process,” said Barr. “He was the program and so instrumental to the students, both personally as they navigated college life as well as in helping them achieve academic success. These students have gone on to achieve much success.”

Under the leadership of Minier-Jennings, DEIB continues Rodriguez’s legacy, evolving the program into a powerful pathway to opportunities.

“Melvin pioneered this program to what it is, and it’s important to never forget his legacy,” she said. “There are 15 successful cohort years because of his leadership and guidance, and many students have come forward since his passing to share how he influenced their lives. We have large shoes to fill.”

Rodriguez was Kro’s mentor during her time with the program.

“The idea of having a dedicated mentor like Rodriguez—who genuinely cared about our success—felt like UMass Amherst was giving me a head start in building the confidence and tools I needed,” said Kro. “Melvin was an incredible advisor who always challenged us to think bigger. He taught us that even when opportunities aren’t immediately visible, we can create them and take control of our paths. That lesson has stuck with me and continues to shape how I approach challenges today.”

PREPARING STUDENTS FOR SUCCESS

In the current Pathways in Education program, participants are selected from newly admitted Isenberg students and receive an invitation to join the program. (There is no way to apply for the program.) Along with their coursework and the opportunity to live close to one another in a residence hall, Pathways features special events that cover additional educational topics and incorporate hands-on projects, field trips, job shadowing, and internships. For example, students from the 2023 and 2024 cohorts will meet in April in Boston with executives from accounting firm PwC, which is in talks with Minier-Jennings to become a corporate sponsor of the Pathways program.

Kro pointed out that Pathways gave her more than guidance as she navigated her first year as a college student; it also set her up for success academically, personally, and now in the workforce. After she graduated from UMass in 2023, she was hired as assistant director of development with the UMass Foundation and is now a major gift officer at Wellesley College.

“As a professional, I constantly draw on the skills, network, and mindset that Pathways helped me develop,” Kro said. “I’m also grateful for the friends I built in the RAP. I’m still friends with my Pathways group and having that support system throughout college and beyond has been a valuable gift.”

Prospective students interested in being considered for the Pathways in Education program should send an email to DEIB@isenberg.umass.edu.