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Maroon Inclusion: LGBTQ+ Mentoring Program

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ)+ Mentoring Program empowers LGBTQ+ students to live fuller, happier and more productive lives. The program’s aim is to support mentees through transition and integration into college by way of interpersonal and intrapersonal development. Making strong connections with ourselves and others is imperative for success in not only college, but life. Successful mentoring is accomplished through genuine relationship building and ongoing support. Mentors serve as positive role models and provide resources as needed for their mentees.

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Mentors

  • Chris Lassiter
    lassiter@roanoke.edu
    Professor of Biology
    Pronouns: he/him/his

    "I grew up in a small town in South Carolina before attending a small liberal arts college similar to Roanoke. After my training as a scientist, I've built a career at RC teaching a variety of biology courses and running undergraduate research in my laboratory. I'm thrilled to be a mentor for questioning or out students."

    A photo of Chris Lassiter

  • Teresa Milbrodt
    milbrodt@roanoke.edu
    Professor of English and Communication Studies
    Pronouns: she/her/hers

    "I'm a fiction writer—both speculative and realistic fiction--and teach creative writing and disability studies. As someone who believes in the power of storytelling, I'm always happy to listen. My partner is bi and gender nonbinary, and I'm pansexual and cisgender. I love taking walks and having coffee chats, and want to provide a comfortable space for students who are looking for ways to express and/or explore different parts of their identity."

    Photo of T. Milbrodt

  • Dustin Persinger
    persinger@roanoke.edu
    Assistant Director of Academic Services for Accessible Education, Center for Learning & Teaching Adjunct Lecturer


    "As a proud Roanoke College alum who grew up in a small rural town in Southwest Virginia, I know how important it is for LGBTQ+ students to feel seen, supported, and valued. Now serving as the Assistant Director of Accessible Education Services, I’m committed to removing barriers and fostering inclusive spaces for all students. My partner Thomas and I have been together for 8 years, and we live nearby with our two spoiled cats, Opie and Evie. I’m passionate about being a mentor and advocate for LGBTQ+ youth on campus—because everyone deserves community and connection."

    Dustin Persinger

  • Daniel Smith
    dsmith@roanoke.edu
    Associate Athletic Director for Campus Recreation


    "I have a strong desire for young people to live their life being truly who they want to be. As someone who lived in very heteronormative environments, I want Roanoke College students to feel safe and heard. I really want students to feel that they have someone who they can communicate with on campus during their time here. I hope that students feel they can be their true selves around me."

    Daniel Smith

  • Shannon Latkin Anderson
    slanderson@roanoke.edu
    Professor of Public Health Studies, Senior Director of Strategic Health Initiatives


    "As a sociologist—beginning way back when I was a college student--I found, and still occasionally fine, myself confronted with all kinds of biases and assumptions I'd been living with for years. Though I'm pretty boringly heteronormative (even basic, I'm told), my family and closest friends include people who are queer in a variety of ways. I'd love to be part of your team or crew or support system--however that looks for you--here at Roanoke. I'm a pretty good listener, pretty wide open, and want you to feel fully part of our community here. I'm married and have two kids, one who just graduated from the University of Minnesota and one starting her journey at West Virginia University."

    Sharon Anderson

  • Elizabeth Parkins
    parkins@roanoke.edu
    Professor of Practice of Business Administration


    "With over half my life spent as an out lesbian, I understand the unique challenges and triumphs of navigating this identity. My own undergraduate experience at a very conservative college was a difficult journey, both personally and socially. It's because of that experience that I'm so passionate about being a supportive and compassionate mentor. I am here to be a listening ear and a helpful resource for anyone who needs it."

    Betsy Parkins

  • Laura de Castro Quaglia
    decastroquaglia@roanoke.edu
    Assistant Professor of Public Policy


    "I grew up in southern Brazil, and despite always knowing I was queer, still struggled with societal and family acceptance. After some therapy and quite a few hard conversations, I'm closer than ever with my family (even though we live in different countries), and I'm happily married to a woman my parents love. My door is always open to students trying to navigate similar challenges and could benefit from talking to someone with similar experiences."

    Laura de Castro Quaglia

  • Zenobia Lee-Nelson
    leenelson@roanoke.edu
    Academic Success Coach and Advisor, Center for Learning & Teaching


    "At James Madison University I founded Shades of Pride in 2019, the first Black and Brown–centered queer organization on campus, and served as president, graduate assistant, and house mother for its community house. I’ve also worked as a diversity educator with DEEP Impact, focusing on advocacy for Black and Brown trans women, and as an education coordinator for the Office of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression where I helped lead programs such as Lavender Graduation. My hobbies include baking, cooking, listening to old school music, playing spades, road-tripping, and learning fun facts about different eras. I’m excited to continue mentoring at Roanoke College and to help students explore their identities unapologetically while building community together."

    Zenobia Lee-Nelson

  • Donovan Hill
    donohill@roanoke.edu
    Coordinator of Wellness Operations, Student Health & Counseling Services


    "I graduated from Roanoke College in 2021, and I now work in campus healthcare and health promotion, where I’m committed to elevating diverse identities and lived experiences in wellness spaces. I also partner with Roanoke City’s queer organizations and non-profits to connect students with affirming resources and community support. My goal is to foster inclusive care and mentorship that empowers LGBTQ+ individuals to thrive both on campus and beyond."

    Donovan Hill