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Meet Dr. Eloise Berry, licensed psychologist and 1997 VCU Black History in the Making award recipient. Dr. Berry earned her Ph.D. in psychology from VCU in 1999, and has carried on the lessons of inclusion and belongingness into her career. Learn more below.
What was your career/life journey after graduating from VCU?
After graduating from the counseling psychology doctoral program at VCU, I completed a postdoctoral fellowship in adolescent medicine, and then worked in the School Partnerships Program where I supported initiatives to build a strong community in an urban elementary school. Both of these experiences were through Harvard Medical School. My next two work experiences over 15 years focused on addressing childhood trauma through clinical and forensic work, research, teaching, supervision and consultation. I then transitioned to a position focused on increasing the experience of belongingness for underrepresented students at my undergraduate alma mater, Villanova University. For over 17 years, I have also been in independent clinical practice focused on caring for children, adolescents and adults who have sought mental health support for various mental health diagnoses and/or for dealing with different life stressors.
What are you up to now?
I now serve as an assistant vice president in the Division of Student Life and director of the Office of Belonging and Inclusion (OBI) at Villanova University. For almost nine years, I have led OBI to improve inclusion and belongingness on campus. This is done by increasing inclusion efforts on campus and by specifically supporting students who have identities that are minoritized in some way relative to campus demographics. With the current socio-political climate, many of the students I serve require even more support at this time.
What is your favorite memory from your time at VCU?
I am fortunate to have many positive memories of my time at VCU. I have two specific favorite memories. One is about attending basketball games and being a part of the amazing school spirit. This was especially important to me as a former college basketball player. The other memory was of my time volunteering in the multicultural affairs office. I really enjoyed working with their staff to support undergraduate students of color. I see many similarities with what I did then and with what I do now in my current role to create a sense of community for students of color.
What was the impact of winning the Black History in the Making award?
I was greatly impacted by receiving the Black History in the Making award from VCU. The award acknowledged what I had done up to that point AND recognized the potential I had to do more. The recognition has challenged me (in a good way) to keep doing things with and for the Black community. My plaque is on display in my home office as one of my most prized recognitions!
What is one piece of advice you have for current students?
If I could give advice to current students, especially Black students, I would say they should make the most of their college experience by studying hard and getting involved on campus. I would also encourage them to develop relationships with staff and faculty who can support and mentor them in college and beyond. Ultimately, they should take time to celebrate their accomplishments and to learn from their challenges and failures. Before they know it, 20 or 30 years will have passed and they will be living out the life they unknowingly began at VCU!
“The award acknowledged what I had done up to that point AND recognized the potential I had to do more.”
- Dr. Eloise Berry