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
A native of St. Lucia, Velda brings a global perspective and a deep commitment to student advocacy shaped by her journey from the Caribbean to Brooklyn, New York. After graduating from Boys and Girls High School, she pursued higher education at the State University of New York at Oswego (SUNY Oswego), where she earned a Bachelor’s of Science (BS) in Business Administration in 1999 and a Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) in 2002.
Since 2004, Velda has proudly served the University of Connecticut in a variety of impactful roles, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to student success, inclusive excellence, and institutional advancement. Her journey began as a Residence Hall Director within the Department of Residential Life, where she supported student development and community building. She then transitioned to the College of Engineering’s Diversity and Outreach Center (now the Vergnano Institute for Inclusion), serving as Program Coordinator and advancing equity-focused initiatives in STEM education. Velda’s dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion continued in the Office for Diversity & Inclusion (ODI), where she served as Executive Assistant to the Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer, supporting strategic planning and university-wide DEI efforts. Currently, Velda serves as the Assistant Director of the H. Fred Simons African American Cultural Center (AACC), where she leads programs and initiatives that empower students, celebrate Black excellence, and foster a strong sense of belonging.
With over two decades of experience in Student Affairs and higher education, Velda brings a deep understanding of student development, cultural programming, and institutional diversity work. She is passionate about cultivating inclusive, affirming spaces that support the academic and personal growth of college students. Her professional interests lie in Social Justice Education, Multicultural Affairs, and Student Leadership Development. Even more, she has worked extensively to create programming and mentorship opportunities that reflect these values. Throughout Velda’s career, she has remained committed to creating transformative experiences for students and fostering environments where all individuals feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.
Velda is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, through which she continues to uphold a legacy of sisterhood, scholarship, and service.
Outside of her professional role, Velda enjoys spending meaningful time with her partner and their two daughters, as well as traveling, engaging with diverse cultures, and strengthening connections with family and friends. Velda’s life and work are grounded in the belief that everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and empowered.
Email: velda.alfred@uconn.edu
Phone: (860) 486-3433