Anthony Albecker

Anthony Albecker is a dedicated advocate for first-generation, underrepresented, and marginalized student populations. Originally from Chicago, IL, Anthony’s passion for education and student support stems from his personal experience as a first-generation college student and former foster care youth. With over two decades of experience in higher education, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to the holistic development of students through advising, teaching, and mentoring.

Anthony's career spans working at the intersections of academic affairs, student affairs, and policy advocacy across the education pipeline, with a focus on both undergraduate and graduate pathways. Working with amazing colleagues from across the country, Anthony has led professional development for McNair Programs through his work with the McNair Association of Professionals (MAP). He has organized and moderated specialized trainings on budget management, APR navigation, and Cross Pollination Conversations. Anthony has also facilitated multipart national webinars, including a series on Challenges and Opportunities Impacting Pipelines to Graduate Education Post-Pandemic for TRIO Eligible Students and Navigating McNair Programs in Turbulent Times. He collaborates closely with the Council for Graduate Schools, Deans of major R1 universities, and the Council for Opportunity in Education to enhance the reach and impact of these initiatives.

Anthony’s national and regional presentations reflect his commitment to fostering inclusive academic environments. Highlights include co-presenting In(Visible): First-Gen College Students Getting to and through Graduate School at the UMN First Gen Institute and moderating How Faculty Can Support FG Students in the Classroom and Mentoring at the UMN First Generation Institute Conference. He has presented on key topics such as McNair Program Management & Meeting Objectives During the Pandemic and Diversifying the Graduate School Pipeline at the McNair Promising Practices Institute. His presentations also address practitioner resilience, including The Resilient McNair Practitioner: Overcoming Burnout.

A proven leader and project manager, Anthony thrives in environments requiring change and innovation. His dedication to universal instructional design and creating inclusive academic environments equips advisors and faculty with tools to help students develop self-advocacy skills. He is a self-starter who inspires enthusiasm in others and is always striving to enhance student success.

For fun as an overload, Anthony teaches a writing intensive First-year Inquiry: Multidisciplinary Ways of Knowing in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) at the University of Minnesota.

Outside of his professional commitments, Anthony enjoys reading, following Chicago sports, woodworking, and staying active through basketball and cycling. He especially values time with his family and spending time near large bodies of water.
 

• My educational philosophy [PDF]