Welcome to the Dean's Office Communications!
Dr. Sunda-Meya
Leader, Scholar, and Bridge-Builder. Dr. Anderson Sunda-Meya brings a unique blend of scientific expertise, educational leadership, and a global perspective to his role as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Xavier University. A passionate researcher and dedicated teacher, Dr. Sunda-Meya has spent over 30 years fostering a love of learning in students across disciplines. His commitment to excellence has been recognized through numerous awards, including Xavier's Norman C. Francis Faculty Award for Teaching and the prestigious Excellence in Physics Education Award from the American Physical Society.
More than just an academic leader, Dr. Sunda-Meya's rich cultural background allows him to connect with students from diverse backgrounds. Fluent in multiple languages, he embodies the College's mission of fostering a vibrant intellectual community that prepares students to thrive in a globalized world. Under Dr. Sunda-Meya's guidance, the College of Arts and Sciences is poised to continue its legacy of academic excellence and social responsibility.
Dr. Dangale Robinson Meda
Dr. Dangale Meda holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Materials Science Engineering from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, AL, and a Ph.D. in Materials Science Engineering from Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL. Dr. Meda is a former Adjunct Professor and Lecturer within the Department of Physics & Dual-Degree Engineering at Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA), and a former Assistant Vice President in the Office of Research & Sponsored Programs at XULA. Dr. Meda holds several professional certifications including Leadership, Research Development, and Research Administration & Management.
As Assistant Dean, Dr. Meda is part of the leadership team for the College of Arts and Sciences and provides support to the Dean in the operation of academic affairs. Areas of responsibility include community outreach, partnership development, supervision, and management of off-site and special programs. The Assistant Dean works with the Dean in the management of accreditation, assessment, and strategic planning. The Assistant Dean supports the College by helping the Dean in Institutional planning, policy formation, and curriculum development.
As Assistant Dean, Dr. Meda’s work relates to the professional development for College Faculty and the overall vision of the College of Arts & Sciences. Dr. Meda works towards developing and improving school/college policies, procedures, rules and regulations, and acts as an administrative coordinator for the same with faculty. She provides leadership to build and strengthen relationships within and across departments and other colleges/departments within the institution, with commodity/industry groups, alumni, and professional organizations. She assists with Accreditation, including helping in the preparation of documents for the SASCOS accreditation process, and with the establishment of Memorandums of Understandings with External Educational Partners.
Dr. Meda holds significant and effective administrative throughput that allows her to bring support, direction, and productivity to the University as well to the XULA’s Faculty and Staff.
Originally from Jackson, Alabama, Dr. Meda currently resides in the greater New Orleans area with her husband and three children.
Gerald A. Villavasso, Jr
Gerald Villavasso currently serves as an Assistant Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Xavier University of Louisiana. As Assistant Dean, his responsibilities include: determining compensation for part-time and summer faculty, analyzing full-time faculty loads and determining overload compensation, managing CAS operational budgets, editing and publishing the annual university catalog, and creating reports for senior administration.
Gerald earned a bachelor’s of science degree in Computer Science from Xavier University of Louisiana and a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of New Orleans.
As a native New Orleanian, he enjoys participating in and attending the various festivals and cultural events that the city offers.
Dr. Richard Peters
Richard Peters earned a Bsc. (1st Class Honors) from the University of West Indies in Chemistry & Management. He has a Masters of Business Administration from Pace University and a PhD. In Strategic Management from Florida Atlantic University.
Richard presently serves as an Associate Professor of Management in the Business Division and the Faculty Director of the Core Curriculum. His research interests are in Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability (CSRS) with an emphasis on social innovation and Christian Leadership. He has published articles in business-related journals and has presented at numerous international, national, and regional conferences. He is a reviewer for academic journals and an associate editor of Business and Society Review. He also sits on the advisory board of the Global Jesuit Case Series and is a board member for the Society for Case Research.
He is also passionate about bringing impactful change to communities and environments. He has worked with colleagues, organizations, and students on issues related to social responsibility and sustainability and has participated locally as well as internationally to promote social responsibility and sustainability education and efforts. He is a husband, father and remains a proud ‘Trinbagonian’.
Destiny Castillo
Destiny Castillo received her bachelors of science in Psychology from the University of New Orleans. As a proud alumnus, she hopes to bring her skills and understanding to Xavier University. Currently, she serves as the Executive Assistant for the College of Arts and Sciences. As the EA, Destiny is the front line to assisting students, visitors, and colleagues who find their way into the Dean's Office. In hopes to better assist and provide a good experience, Destiny is always eager to understand and learn what makes an individual and one’s circumstances unique.
As an adopted New Orleanian, Destiny planted root in the Big Easy in 2009. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and seeking out new experiences.
Trenika Starks
Trenika Starks serves as the Program Manager for the Office of Graduate Programs in the College of Arts & Sciences. Amongst her duties, primarily, she oversees the admissions procedure for XULA’s graduate programs. Born and raised in New Orleans, LA, Trenika temporarily relocated to St. Louis, MO, after Hurricane Katrina. There, she earned her Master’s and B.S. of Business Administration degrees from Fontbonne University. St. Louis is also where she entered the banking industry and found her purpose and passion in community development.
Since then, she has centered and dedicated her entire career, (exceeding 15 years of experience), to serving the underrepresented. With a commitment to service, her goal has, and continues to be to advocate, uplift, educate, and empower those who need it most.
Trenika is an advocate for equality and justice for the disenfranchised. She is also strongly passionate about financial wellness. Trenika aspires to help build wealth and promote overall success, by offering support and by improving access to essential resources and information.
Contact
Administration Annex, room 209 Xavier University of Louisiana 1 Drexel Drive, Box 113 New Orleans, LA 70125
504-520-7652
casdean@xula.edu