Chimene Boone is a committed student affairs professional and leads the GradSTAR program for the Office of African American Affairs. The GradSTAR program is open to all 2nd and 3rd year students with the goal to create pathways for their life following graduation from UVA. In addition, her focus is also on assessment research and the transition, retention and graduation of African American students at UVA through programmatic and advising strategies. She believes in meeting students where they are and utilizes coaching techniques to allow students to become active participants in their own paths to success.
Dr. Boone holds a PhD in higher education leadership from Capella University, MA in Women’s Studies from Stonybrook University, and BA in Communications/Media from SUNY New Paltz. She has been working in Student Affairs for over 25 years with various positions in Residence Life and Academic Advising and Counseling. In addition, she has worked in community-based non-profit organizations serving underrepresented youth and adults. As a child raised by a single mother, her passion is for creating academic pathways for students to succeed in obtaining a degree in higher education.
Prior to joining the UVA community, she was the Executive Director of TRIO Programs at Virginia Commonwealth University. In her seven years she secured (3) TRIO programs totaling $3.9M from the Department of Education. As a proud TRIO alum, this work was a full circle moment for her. She is a lifelong learner and hones her craft through participation in various NASPA national and regional conferences.
Dr. Boone is a native of Bronx, New York. She enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family. Over the years in her professional journey, she has proven success in strategic program planning, budget management and fundraising. In her community, she is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated in Richmond, VA and enjoys the opportunity to pay it forward for youth and their families to achieve at their highest potential.