Mark Alabanza

Mark has worked in higher education for 18 years. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Music from the University of Virginia, master’s degree in Management from Notre Dame de Namur University, anddoctoral degreein Educational Leadership with Distinctionfrom California State University, Stanislaus. He is a member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi and Sigma Beta Delta International Honor Society for Business, Management, and Administration. Mark’sresearch focuses on Native American students’ sense of belonging in higher education.He authoredthe chapterOn the outside looking in: Reflecting on Native American students’ sense of belonging in The impact of sense of belonging in college: Implications for student persistence, retention, and success (Stylus Publishing).He currently serves as the Tribal Administrator for the Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheriawhere he oversees all governmental funding, staff, and operations.Mark is also a member of the Butte County Local Child Care Planning Council and the Butte County Collaborative for Equity and Anti-racism in Education.