Director

Alicia M. McKenzie, M.S.

Meet the Director

Alicia M. McKenzie serves as the Director of the H. Fred Simons African American Cultural Center, where she leads initiatives that foster a supportive, inclusive, and empowering environment for Black, African, and Caribbean students. With over 14 years of experience in higher education, Ms. McKenzie has been a steadfast advocate for equity and inclusion, focusing her efforts on mentoring, policy reform, and the development of impactful programs that address systemic disparities in the student experience.

At the core of Ms. McKenzie’s work is a deeply student-centered approach. She works tirelessly to ensure that every student has the opportunity to learn and grow in an environment that is both welcoming and supportive. Her commitment to holistic student development shapes every aspect of her leadership, from cultural programming to institutional policy advising.

She earned her Master of Science in Counseling, specializing in Student Development in Higher Education, from Central Connecticut State University. A proud alumna of Eastern Connecticut State University, Ms. McKenzie was honored with the prestigious Joy & Justice Alumni Award, recognizing her unwavering commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Accessibility (DEIJA) work across the educational landscape.

Ms. McKenzie’s leadership and dedication continue to shape institutional practices and student success outcomes, affirming her role as a key voice and change agent within the field of student affairs and cultural center administration.

Email: alicia.mckenzie@uconn.edu
Phone: (860) 486-4901

Assistant Director

Velda Alfred-Abney

Meet the Assistant Director

Velda Alfred-Abney is a proud St. Lucian, born and raised, who later moved to Brooklyn, NY as a teenager and attended Boys and Girls High School. She earned her MBA from SUNY Oswego in 2002 and joined UConn in 2004 as a Residence Hall Director in the Department of Residential Life.

With a strong background in Student Affairs, Ms. Alfred-Abney is passionate about working with and advocating for students. Her interests lie in Social Justice, Multicultural Affairs, and Student Leadership Development.

She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her partner, two daughters, family, and friends. She also loves traveling and learning about different places, people, and cultures.

Email: velda.alfred@uconn.edu
Phone: (860) 486-3433