Students who are Deferred Action Childhood Arrivals, more commonly referred to as DACA students, have a new face of support in Justine Carpenter.

Carpenter has been named director of multicultural and identity-based support services, with an expansion of her role to include supporting DACA and DREAMer student services within the Dean of Students Office.

Jane Irungu, assistant vice president of student engagement, has been serving in the role, but will be leaving the university for a new position at the University of Oklahoma as director of the Southwest Center for Human Relations Studies.

“Jane’s work has been essential in this role and I am honored to continue it upon her departure,” said Carpenter. “I am eager to serve as the point of contact for our UO DREAMers. This work is essential in the University of Oregon’s continued commitment to empower our students to access the resources they need to succeed.”

Carpenter has previous experience working with DACA and DREAMer students at Santa Fe Community College, where there is a sizeable population of undocumented students.

“This is an area of passion for Justine,” said Kris Winter, associate vice president and dean of students. “Justine has been a terrific advocate for students, not only through her work with multicultural communities, but also with our veteran students. She is well respected by the students she serves.”

Carpenter’s appointment takes effect July 17.