Dr. Tamika Tyson Duplessis is the Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at Delgado Community College in New Orleans, La. With a background in science, Duplessis has focused her attention on supporting the next generation of scientists by developing innovative scientific curriculum and advocating for two-year college/industry partnerships. In her role in Student Affairs, she has been heavily involved in supporting student basic needs, and promoting and designing programs that support first-generation students, adult scholars, and single mother learners.

Duplessis is an accomplished researcher in molecular and cellular biology. She has published over 30 different scientific papers, book chapters, and abstracts in the field of breast cancer and the molecular mechanisms associated with cancer progression. While her research focused on the complex nature of cancer etiology, she has spent many years teaching in the basic sciences. Duplessis began her teaching career as a chemistry instructor at Delgado Community College and advanced to the level of an associate professor, department chair, and served the executive dean of the Delgado Community College-Sidney Collier site.

With aspirations to continue the work to focus on those who have been historically excluded from higher education, Duplessis endeavors to focus on the margins and assist all learners with finding their purpose and providing supports to enable them to realize their goals through the pursuit of higher education.

HOMETOWN: New Orleans, Louisiana

DOCTORATE: Ph.D in Molecular and Cellular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine

FAVORITE QUOTE: “If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough.” — Ellen Johnson Sirleaf