November 14, 2024 | By Nick Pfost
Newsome and Hall lead new roles to help students thrive
Spectrum Center is thrilled to welcome Nicole Newsome as a program specialist for student engagement and belonging, a new role in the center. After a competitive national search, Newsome (they/she) will lead a growing portfolio of the center’s work at the intersections of gender identity and expression, sexuality, race, and ethnicity.
The center also moved forward earlier this fall with reimagining an existing program specialist position to become a support services and wellness advocate. Following a competitive search, it announced Spencer Hall (he/him) will helm that area and lead its transformation.
Newsome comes to the University of Michigan from Ohio, bringing extensive experience with queer and trans students and in career services, passion for community engagement, and leadership that champions collective liberation. She has long centered advocacy with and for students who are queer, trans, Black, indigenous, and people of color (QTBIPOC) and most recently served as a career exploration agent at Butler Technology & Career Development Schools. Newsome also holds a leadership position with the Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals.
Hall is a social worker dedicated to supporting youth and young adults—particularly those who are LGBTQIA2+, first-generation, and limited-income—in navigating life in higher education. He earned his Bachelor of Social Work degree from Colorado State University and Master of Social Work degree from the University of Michigan. Hall previously served in program specialist and coordinator roles at Spectrum Center.
The two positions reflect the center’s continued growth alongside the students they serve. They respond to direct input and draw on better and promising practices—backed by evidence-based research nationally and at Michigan about student need and campus climate.
“This new chapter at Spectrum will help continue our work of supporting our diverse student population and provide increased opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to engage in our work,” said associate director Tristan Morton and program manager Angie Freeman.
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