OCCRL Staff and Affiliates

Research Associate

Devean R. Owens' research interests include diversity and inclusion, access and equity, student development, and the experiences of Black women and girls. Owens previously worked as an admission coordinator at an independent school in Dallas, Texas. She is a co-founder of Dear Sista Friend​, a blog dedicated to encouraging and empowering Black women and girls.

Education

• Ph.D., Education Policy, Organization and Leadership, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• M.Ed., Educational Leadership - Higher Education, Southern Methodist University
• B.A., Advertising; Public Relations and Strategic Communication, Southern Methodist University

Peer Reviewed Publications

Minnett, J. L., James-Gallaway, A. D., & Owens, D. R. (2019). Help a Sista Out: Peer-Mentoring as an Act of Resistance. MidWestern Educational Researcher, 31(2), 210-238.

Welton, A. D., Owens, D. R., & Zamani-Gallaher, E. M. (2018). Anti-racist change leadership. In. A.D. Welton & E.M. Zamani-Gallaher (Eds.) Facilitating Institutional Change for Racial Equity in the Educational Pipeline. NSSE Yearbook. Teachers College Record: New York, NY.

Research Briefs and Reports

Owens, D. R. (2018). Culturally Responsiveness in Community College CTE Programs. Champaign, IL: Office of Community College Research and Leadership, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Welton, A. D. & Owens, D. R. (2017). Scaling-up registered apprenticeships at Illinois community colleges. Champaign, IL: Office of Community College Research and Leadership, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Owens, D. R., Rockey, M. & Thrill, C. (2017). Equity and Student Services. Champaign, IL: Office of Community College Research and Leadership, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Welton, A. D. & Owens, D. R. (2016). The Chicago Landscape of Career and Technical Education. Champaign, IL: Office of Community College Research and Leadership, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.