The architecture of belonging: a conversation with Dra. Tricia Rosado

For Dean of Southlake Campus Doctora Tricia Rosado, leadership at Southlake Campus isn't just about academics: it’s about ensuring every student feels "at home" before they even step into a classroom. As a first-generation college graduate and one of the fewer than 1% of Latinas who hold a doctorate, Rosado is driven by a deeply personal mission.

How do you personally define ‘belonging’ at Southlake, and how does that shape your leadership?

Belonging has evolved from "academic match" to "cultural fit." It’s not only about navigating barriers; it’s about an institution that affirms a student’s lived experience. My leadership is driven by my own journey. As a first-generation commuter student, I often felt the campus "wasn't for me." Now, I ensure our students see themselves represented in our staff and programs. We meet students where they are, whether that’s providing professional translation to ensuring everyone can be addressed in their language of choice or recognizing that a family’s absence from a campus tour doesn't mean a lack of support.

Belonging often happens in the 'in-between' moments. What spaces act as catalysts for connection?

Our College and Career Navigators (CCNs) are the first point of belonging. They represent the communities they serve, helping students demystify the system. Physically, expanding El Centro (a gathering place and resource designed with Latinx students in mind that is housed at the Grayslake Campus) to Southlake will provide a dedicated space for connection. We also host events at night specifically for our students who take classes in the evenings, ensuring that those with 9-to-5 responsibilities aren't excluded from the "college experience."

What role do community partnerships play in connecting education to the wider world?

We serve a vibrant spectrum, from English-language learners to Polish and Ukrainian populations. Our partnerships create a community vibrancy where commonalities transcend differences. By welcoming students into programs that stem from CLC’s Community and Workforce Partnerships unit or by providing family care, we demonstrate that CLC is a safe place that can be easily integrated into their daily lives.

What is the most rewarding part of seeing a student transition from 'just attending' to 'truly belonging'?

Seeing students realize that their culture is an asset that is authentically welcomed, rather than a deficit, is an exciting moment. When a student stops rushing to their car and starts engaging with the scavenger hunts or classroom visits, CLC becomes familiar and a place they want to be. Watching them own their authentic selves is the ultimate success.

This story is from the summer 2026 edition of the CLC Connects Magazine. Published twice a year, CLC Connects shares the stories, people and impact behind College of Lake County. The magazine helps connect with our community by highlighting student success, innovative programs, partnerships and the many ways CLC is transforming lives across Lake County.