Dr. Norris Chase

Dr. Chase serves as the Director of the LSA First-Generation Commitment. As a first-generation college graduate, Dr. Chase brings enthusiasm and experience with developing, designing, implementing, and evaluating student success initiatives within and across higher education institution types. 

Prior to joining LSA and the First-Generation Commitment, Dr. Chase served as Dean of Students/Chief Student Affairs Officer at Eureka College, overseeing all aspects of co-curricular engagement, including strategic planning, co-curricular assessment, housing and residential life, student activities, new student and family programs, and inclusive excellence. Prior to Eureka, Dr. Chase served as the Executive Director for Student Affairs Bradley University for over six years, leading initiatives to promote student success and engagement.

Dr. Chase believes in the transformative power of higher education and is excited about building this new and exciting initiative. As a practitioner-scholar, Dr. Chase’s professional experience and scholarship cut across two areas: student success and identity-centered engagement. 

Outside of serving as a director, Dr. Chase is an aspirational foodie who enjoys spending time with family and friends while cheering on the Detroit Pistons and the Oakland University Basketball teams.

Backstory

I’m Norris. I was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and I attended Finney High School (which has been renamed to East English Village). My mother instilled the importance of education early on in my life. 

What motivated me to go to college 

A visit to a college campus inspired me to understand that college was possible for me during my second year of college. 

What advice I would give to my first-year self 

Make a few promises to yourself and stick to them. 

How my First-Gen background helped me

In college, I was unaware that I was a First-Generation college student. But as a professional, being First-Generation is a great source of pride that has reshaped how I understand space and place, which inspires me to be more vocal about being the first. 

The best thing about my college experience

The best part about my college experience was that I was given the opportunity to develop my leadership skills.