Ishara Casellas Connors

Dr. Ishara Casellas Connors is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Public Service and Administration at the Bush School of Government and Public Service, Texas A&M University. She joined the faculty in 2021 with a focus on higher education policy, particularly addressing systemic barriers faced by marginalized groups such as refugee students and Afro-Latinx populations. Dr. Connors holds a PhD in Higher Education from Boston College, an MA in Higher and Postsecondary Education from Columbia University, and a BA in Business Management from Clark University.

Her research explores state and institutional policies impacting Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), refugee access to higher education, and anti-racism initiatives in university settings. Recent work highlights the intersection of racial identity, campus climate, and policy effectiveness. Key contributions include analyzing DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) plans, visual ethnography methods for studying underrepresented students, and state-level supports for displaced populations.

Publications since 2021 reflect a growing emphasis on refugee policy, anti-Black violence responses, and Afro-Latinx student experiences. Notable themes include leveraging 'Community Cultural Wealth' frameworks to enhance STEM diversity and critiquing the flattening of Latinx identities in state-driven DEI mandates.

Dr. Connors' work bridges academic research with actionable policy recommendations, such as her 2019 study proposing strategies to boost college student voting rates. Her research consistently advocates for systemic changes to promote equitable access and representation in higher education systems.