York College of PA names Alexander Hernández-Siegel, formerly of Lancaster, as Director of Student Diversity and Inclusion

York College has named Alexander Hernández-Siegel, formerly of Lancaster, as its inaugural Director of Student Diversity and Inclusion. He will begin his work at the College on May 1.

“We are so pleased that Alex has agreed to serve in this important role for our community,” said Rick Satterlee, Dean of Student Development and Campus Life. “His passion for ensuring that York College is an inclusive place and welcoming to all students was so evident to all who met him during the search process. We are extremely lucky to have been able to recruit someone with his depth of knowledge and sense of importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education.”

Hernández-Siegel currently serves as Director of the Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion Services at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn. He is responsible for directing support programs and advising for students of color and the LGBTQ+ student population at the University, as well as institutional change initiatives. 

Prior to his appointment at St. Thomas, he was the Chaplain and Associate Dean of Students at Colorado College, where he led the spiritual life and interfaith programs for undergraduates. He served in the administration at Harvard University for seven years as the Mennonite chaplain for the University, Director of Academic and Diversity Programs for Genomics Training at Harvard Medical School, and with Professor Diana Eck’s Pluralism Project at Harvard, which conducts research and programs regarding religious diversity in the United States. He also served as Assistant Dean of Student Life and advisor to Latino/Latina students at Dartmouth College. 

Raised in New York City and Lancaster, Hernández-Siegel is a graduate of Millersville University of Pennsylvania. He earned a master’s degree in cultural studies at Dartmouth College and a Master's in Education from Harvard University in a joint program between the Harvard Graduate School of Education and Harvard Divinity School in theology and higher education administration.

“It is an honor to join York College of Pennsylvania, and I’m excited to serve the community in this DEI leadership role,” said Hernández-Siegel. “During my interview process, I was very pleased to see the strong commitment across campus to make sure that equity and belonging are central parts of the institution’s mission, and that the faculty and staff approach the students’ academic and leadership development in a holistic way.  

“Among my many goals as the director of student diversity and inclusion are to continue empowering our BIPOC and LGBTQ+ students, and make the College a model regarding our diversity initiatives for other institutions to follow.  We will do this together as a community.”