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We want to offer a robust "welcome" to Mia Swales as Lock Haven University's student success specialist and director of the new Multicultural Center.
Mia first caught our attention in 2019 as one of the university's featured student speakers.
Her message then was: "Be fruitful and multiply, lead with love, embrace grace and spread it. Continue to be the light and never underestimate the hope that you can give to someone else. Success is what you want it to be. Heart goes a long way."
As one of five kids in her family and a first-generation college graduate now pursuing a Master's Degree, Mia's journey has been one of service.
She has spent the bulk of her time, talent and treasure to aiding countless LHU students in their pursuit of success; she also serves as the advisor for student organizations the Black Student Union, the Multicultural Advisory Activities Council and the Latino Student Association.
Her responsibilities include working with students in the university's Academic Success Program, conceptualizing multicultural programming, increasing minority student retention and student mentorship. Her goal when interacting with students is consistent; to instill hope by helping them reframe their perspectives, and by encouraging them to identify their "why."
And talk about loyalty. Here's what she said upon her appointment: "I am Haven Proud because The Haven Family stood by me through my highs and lows. The Chesapeake Bay raised me, but Lock Haven and these Central Pennsylvania mountains kept me."
Thank you, Mia, for your wonderful inspiration!