The Staff

Dr. Joan Becker, Vice Provost for Academic Support Services

Dr. Joan Becker is the Vice Provost for Academic Support Services at the University of Massachusetts at Boston. In this role, she is responsible for the university’s federally funded TRIO programs: Upward Bound, Veteran’s Upward Bound, Upward Bound Math and Science, Talent Search, Student Support Services, and the McNair Scholars Program. In addition, she is responsible for Urban Scholars Program; the Admission Guaranteed Program, the Health Careers Opportunity Program, and the Ross Disability Services Center. Initially hired by the University to develop the Urban Scholars Program, Dr. Becker served as director from 1984-1998.

The Director position of the Urban Scholars Program is currently vacant.

Annya Haughton, Associate Director & Middle School Coordinator

Annya Haughton joined the Urban Scholars team in June, 2005. She comes to us with a background in Guidance Counseling and over ten years of service to the betterment of youth. Annya is a native of Jamaica, a product of New York, and Holbrook is now her home. Annya is a graduate of Northeastern University with a dual degree in Education and Sociology. She returned to New York City to earn her Masters degree in Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. In her free time she enjoys doing projects around the house, hanging out with friends and family, reading, bicycle riding, and swimming.

Creed she lives by:

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world”

-Mahatma Gandhi

Arnold Chamanlal, High School Coordinator

Arnold Chamanlal is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Boston with degree both English and History. Arnold is the only member of the staff to graduate from one of our target high schools (Dorchester High) and is also a graduate of the Urban Scholars program. For the past thirteen years, Arnold has been a committed member in the fight against violence and improvement of education in the Boston area. His efforts have led him to travel to over sixteen states around the country and an amazing tour of South Africa, all in the name of peace and justice.

Chris Kelly, College Advisor and Student Recruiter

Chris Kelly is the College Advisor and Student Recruiter for Urban Scholars. He is a graduate of UMass Boston, with a degree in English. Chris is currently working on his Masters in Education at UMB. Chris started working as a tutor for Urban Scholars in the summer of 2001, but fell in love with the program and has been here ever since. Away from the job, Chris likes to spend time with his wife and new baby girl.

Stephanie Hicks-Williams, Office Manager

Stephanie Hicks-Williams is a native of Boston, Massachusetts. She joined the Urban Scholars team of staff in July of 2007. Her desire to improve the quality of life in her environment resulted in over 15 years of community service as a political operative and her eventual enrollment in the College of Public and Community Service (CPCS) here at UMASS Boston. A recent graduate of CPCS, Stephanie majored in Legal Education with a concentration in Non-Profit Management. Stephanie serves as the Office Manger for Urban Scholars. She is a wife and mother of 2 and enjoys spending her free time with her family.

text only page