Meet the New Vice President for Student Affairs: A Conversation with Markel Quarles

As he begins his journey at Stanislaus State, Markel Quarles brings a student-centered approach shaped by his own experiences as a first-generation college student. We sat down with him to discuss leadership, belonging and the opportunities ahead for Warriors.

Welcome to the Warrior Community

Q: As you begin your journey at Stan State, what excites you most about serving as the new Vice President for Student Affairs?

A: I am thrilled to be joining Stan State and am particularly excited to be part of a campus community with such a strong commitment to student success. What excites me most is the opportunity to build upon that foundation by supporting students holistically and helping advance the University's mission, values and core commitments.

Creating the Conditions for Student Success

Q: At Stan State, many of our students are first-gen and balancing multiple responsibilities while pursuing their goals. What does it look like to create an environment where students can truly thrive?

A: I think it starts with fostering a culture of belonging, support and high expectations and an unwavering belief that our students are valued, capable and deserving of success. This involves listening to their voices, understanding their lived experiences and ensuring our decisions are grounded with their best interests in mind. It also means providing clear pathways, accessible resources and timely opportunities that help students navigate achieving their academic, professional and personal goals.

Q: What do you think makes a college experience meaningful, and what excites you most about being part of that journey with students?

A: There are a number of things that I think make a college experience meaningful:

1. Faculty and staff who believe in and invest in students.
2. A community where students feel accepted, valued and connected.
3. Learning experiences that prepare students for success.
4. Opportunities to apply knowledge in real-world settings.
5. Opportunities to serve and positively impact their communities.
6. Experiences that foster personal, professional and interpersonal growth.

What excites me most is being part of a campus community that helps create transformative experiences for students: experiences that not only change individual lives for the better, but also positively impact families and communities for generations.

Leadership Lessons That Endure

Q: What is a leadership lesson or philosophy that has stayed with you, guiding your work today?

A: Several leadership philosophies shape how I approach my work. They're best captured in the following quotes:

1. "People don't care what you know until they know that you care." - Theodore Roosevelt
2. "If you have a dream, don't let anybody take it away." - Selena
3. "When people show you who they are, believe them." - Maya Angelou

Together, these reminders reinforce the importance of empathy, authenticity, resilience and discernment.

Q: Looking back at your own college experience, what is one experience you hope to help shape at Stan State?

A: I was a first-generation college student, and it took me quite a while to learn how college worked. Thank goodness for some key faculty and staff who were willing to meet me where I was and cared enough not to leave me there. At Stan State, I hope we can foster an environment that meets students where they are, nurture their talents and interests and position them to achieve their dreams.

Beyond the Office

Q: When you're not serving as vice president for student affairs, what are some things you enjoy doing in your free time?

A: In my free time, I enjoy playing dominoes with my kids and grandkids, going to the gym, dabbling on the piano or playing ping pong, basketball or bowling.