Early Alert Services

John Carl Cruz is a dedicated advocate for student success at the University of Rhode Island’s Early Alert Services, where he plays a vital role in identifying and supporting students facing academic and personal challenges. Through his work, he ensures that students have access to the resources, guidance, and encouragement they need to thrive. John actively collaborates with faculty, staff, and campus partners to develop proactive outreach strategies that foster a sense of belonging and remove barriers to success. With a longstanding commitment to supporting underrepresented and marginalized communities, he has worked with organizations such as Talent Development, College Unbound, Onward We Learn (formerly
College Crusade of Rhode Island), and numerous basketball programs throughout Rhode Island and New England. Whether at URI or in the broader community, John is deeply committed to creating equitable, supportive environments where everyone feels seen, heard, and empowered.

Shirley and John, in partnership with Dr. Richard Song, co-authored a book chapter entitled “A Homecoming of Sorts” for the book No Ways Tired: The Journey for Professionals of Color in Student Affairs. The chapter is a call to action for institutions of higher education.  To recruit and retain staff of color, administrators need to pay attention to their lived experiences. The authors, who identify as mid-level professionals, narrate their journey as undergraduate students at a predominantly white institution (PWI). Now, serving as full-time staff members at their alma mater, the authors reflect on the progress that has been made as it relates to diversity, inclusion, and equity, while acknowledging the work that still needs to be done. Through a dialogic format, the authors offer their readers some insight into how conversation, community, and the creation of counterspaces can help staff of color not only survive at a PWI, but also thrive.

Shirley Consuegra, a first-generation Talent Development graduate from URI, has dedicated her career to helping students access higher education and guiding them toward graduation. She earned her master’s degree in Developmental and Educational Psychology from Boston College in 2003. After working in education across California, Tennessee, and Massachusetts, she returned to URI in 2015. Currently, she serves as a co-coordinator for Early Alert and Academic Support Services, where she assists students in overcoming challenges on their path to
graduation. Her work extends campus-wide, allowing her to support students at all stages of their undergraduate journey.

As an educator and social justice advocate, Shirley is committed to addressing
inequities in education and driving institutional change to create more inclusive
spaces. Since returning to URI, she has served on the President’s Commission for
The Status of Faculty, Staff, and Students of Color, as well as the University
College for Academic Success Professional Development Task Force, both of
which focused on advancing inclusion and equity in education and the workplace.