Alumna leading CCI NorthState mentoring program

Der Vang ’11 recently was named director of mentoring in the College of Computing and Informatics. In this role, she will oversee the NorthState CCI Mentorship Program, which was created by a gift from the communications/information technology company to EXPONENTIAL: The Campaign for UNC Charlotte. The program will benefit CCI students by providing guidance on personal, social and academic matters.

By mentoring students, Vang said they will be better prepared to connect with professionals in a confident manner after graduation or during internships.

“Today, successful mentoring needs to incorporate students’ lived experiences, skills and identities,” said Vang. “Without it, we are doing a disservice to the success of our students.”

She noted the creation of her new position demonstrated foresight by CCI and NorthState to a “comprehensive commitment to student success, representation and innovation.”

Vang completed bachelor’s degrees in communication studies and digital communication from the University. Previously, she served as the multicultural liaison officer and learning community coordinator in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Iowa State University, where she completed a Master of Education in Higher Education.