DAAS kicked off 2026 by welcoming two staff members: Administrative Coordinator/Project Coordinator Symone Campbell and Faye Portis, returning former executive secretary to the chair. Learn more about Symone and Faye in our Q&A:
Can you tell us a little about yourselves?
Symone: I grew up in Corona, California. I did my undergraduate degree in English at UC Berkeley and my master’s here at U-M. That’s how I found the Department of Afroamerican and African Studies (DAAS). I became a GSI with Assistant Professor Lydia Kelow-Bennett and worked as a grader with Assistant Professor SaraEllen Strongman. I loved working with them, so when this position opened up, I got really excited because every time I’ve been in this space everyone has been so community-oriented and it always feels like home.
Faye: I was born and raised in Michigan. I completed graduate coursework toward a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration at Eastern Michigan University and hold a Bachelor of Business Administration from Cleary University. Over the past two decades, I have held roles supporting department chairs and faculty within LSA, as well as positions involving the management of complex calendars and the coordination of meetings for directors and program managers in Michigan Medicine.
During my retirement, I pursued an alternative professional path by obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License and working as a professional driver for several years. This experience strengthened my independence, discipline, and adaptability, and provided a broader perspective that I now bring to my administrative role.
Describe your role here at DAAS.
Symone: As administrative/projects coordinator, I support staff members such as Wayne High and Elizabeth James. Primarily, I welcome students and faculty who enter this space, handling any emails, intakes, and questions that may arise. I work with the graduate certificate program as the liaison between Rackham and the graduate committee. I also support GalleryDAAS, helping with setting up and creating exhibits. Lastly, I support fellowships. It’s a lot of different hats, but it’s fun! No day is ever the same; every day is a new adventure.
Faye: As the executive secretary to the chair, I provide comprehensive administrative and executive-level support, including calendar management, meeting and event coordination, agenda and minutes preparation, travel planning, and financial reconciliation. I also support faculty processes like recruitment, promotion and tenure, onboarding, and offboarding. Additionally, I support academic operations and departmental initiatives by coordinating with faculty, staff, and university partners, ensuring efficient and seamless day-to-day operations.
What were you doing before, and how did that path lead you to DAAS?
Symone: I was going to do a Ph.D. in English here [at U-M]. I loved it. I loved teaching and doing research. But I noticed when I was doing research, I was always working with literature — which I love, and it’s great — but the work was isolating. When I worked with the Ginsberg Center, I was working with a team, community partners, diverse stakeholders, and with students. I really liked the collaboration, so I wanted to take a career shift where I got to do more collaborative work, more community engagement work, and more university support and faculty support. This position opened up at the end of last year, and I was just like, “This is exactly where I want to be.”
Faye: I started as a temporary staff member in the LSA Registrar’s Office. After becoming a permanent employee, I held a series of progressively responsible administrative roles across the University, including positions with Rackham [School of Graduate Studies] and LSA. Over time, my work increasingly focused on supporting academic leadership and student services, which ultimately led to my role as executive secretary in DAAS. After retiring following 31 years of service, I later returned to the University in several temporary leadership support roles at Michigan Medicine. When the opportunity arose to return to DAAS in my previous role, it felt like a natural continuation of the work I know well and value deeply.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Symone: I enjoy volunteering with Black Men Read, a nonprofit organization that works to uplift Black Men and all children through joyful storytelling, programs, and partnerships that bridge identity and literacy to foster thriving and connected communities. It’s fun, and I really support and value their mission. If I’m not volunteering with them, I love to cook. I’m good at choosing recipes, which I think is its own skill. I really like cooking or playing with my two cats, they keep me busy. If not that, then watching as many movies as humanly possible! I recently saw Swan Song on Apple TV. I loved it, it was so good.
Faye: My free time is primarily spent hosting and attending family-related activities and events. I value staying engaged and involved, and during quieter moments, I enjoy catching up on reality TV shows and watching movies. Overall, I use my free time making memories and staying engaged with the people I love most.
What's your favorite thing about U-M?
Symone: I like the Duderstadt Center, where all the digital media stuff is on campus. You can rent out podcast rooms, they have music studios, woodshops, film studios, and sewing rooms with all the equipment. That, I think, is one of my favorite spots on campus. Anyone can use it — all you have to do is be a student.
Faye: I love the energy and passion of the students. Whether it’s seeing them in class, at events, or involved in research and activities, there’s a real sense of curiosity and drive. It’s inspiring to be part of a community that encourages growth and excellence at every level.
