Director of Multicultural Services receives award

Making international and multicultural students feel more welcome has been Malik Stewart’s goal at CSB+SJU, and that dedication once seen only by our community has now earned him recognition on a national scale.

Malik Stewart, the Assistant Dean of Multicultural Services, received the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) Region IV-E Award for Outstanding Mid-Level Student Affairs Professional Award in 2025. The awards will be distributed during the annual NASPA conference taking place from October 19-21.

Stewart has been working in this position since February of 2021 and according to students, in a short period of time has proven to be capable of making the difference in the lives of multicultural students at CSB+SJU. For international students in particular, Stewart has taken steps to ensure a smooth and integrated transition into college life.

“Starting in 2023, we created an INTG 105 section specifically for international students. That allows international students to have a shared experience with their classmates during the first semester, while also building rapport with their instructor who serves as a DSO (Designated School Official).” Stewart said via email.

Many international students come to the U.S. without knowing anyone, and consequently, with no one to advocate for them and raise awareness about the challenges they face when experiencing a different culture. At CSB+SJU, Stewart is the person international students can rely on. He provides annual professional development sessions by partnering with the Center for Teaching & Learning to make sure that educators are prepared to meet the needs of international students and provide equity in the classroom. He also affirmed that in these sessions they promote awareness of current issues impacting international students.

In this year’s professional development, he invited two international students, one from Brazil and one from The Bahamas, so the professors learned firsthand about the suggestions international students have for them.

Stewart shared that meeting international students from all over the U.S. and the world is what he likes the most about his job.

“I enjoy getting to meet students from all over the U.S. and the world, and to see their journey through college. I also enjoy being in a space that values learning and growth. As staff members we have a lot of opportunities to learn on-campus, and there is space to discuss current issues and explore solutions.” Stewart said via email.

Thanks to the daily interaction with the international community, Stewart said that communication and patience are key skills that he continues to develop throughout his career. He also mentioned that he developed a healthy sense of curiosity.

In addition to supporting international students, Stewart coordinates upcoming DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) events, supports first-generation students and LGBTQ+ initiatives, and meet with campus partners to plan collaborative programming and workshops. His efforts to promote visibility and equity to minorities that deserve to be empowered cannot be underestimated.

SJU first gen alum Jesus Segovia-Castro who has known Stewart since 2020 points out the support he has given to first generation students.

“Malik understands the unique challenges that first-generation students face, and he advocates for them in every way he can. He creates space where people feel seen, supported, and capable of more than they thought possible.” Segovia-Castro said via email.

CSB alumna Charis Birkholz who worked alongside Stewart for four years highlighted his dedication to international students’ success.

“Malik always paves a way for students to shine at CSB+SJU. No matter where you are from or who you are, he makes sure you feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed.” Birkholz said via email.

CSB alumna and Associate Director of the Multicultural Student Services Sydney Robinson is one of the main witnesses to Stewart’s contributions to the community.

“Malik’s leadership at CSB+SJU has created environments where students feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow. Malik brings clarity, compassion, and courage to every challenge.” Robinson said via email.

From advocating for international students to supporting minorities such as the first-generation students and promoting equity and inclusion — Stewart and the Multicultural Student Services team play an essential role. Many international students reported that they cannot imagine campus life without them.

“I always felt very welcome at the
MCC. It felt like it went beyond just
campus services, like they really cared
about students,” Rhea Murphy, CSB
junior and Bahamian international
student said via email.