Once a First-Gen, Always a First-Gen: A Graduate School Panel

Deborah A. Harris

Deborah A. Harris is Professor of Sociology at Texas State University, where she has taught since 2007. She earned her Ph.D. in Sociology from Mississippi State University. Her research examines gender, work, and inequality through the lens of food systems, with particular emphasis on women’s culinary labor and the social meanings of food. She is co-author of Taking the Heat: Women Chefs and Gender Inequality in the Professional Kitchen (Rutgers University Press, 2015) and has published in City & Community, Contexts, Symbolic Interaction, and Sociology Compass. Her research and expertise have been featured by NPR, The Washington Post, and other media outlets.

Dr. Jonathan Vontsteen

Dr. Jonathan Vontsteen is the student development specialist for the IDEA Center. Jonathan is a first-gen student who earned an MA in Applied Ethics and Philosophy and later a PhD in Developmental Education with a concentration in learning support. His research is focused on developmental education policy, learning interventions, and prison education. Jonathan has taught philosophy (PHIL 1320, Ethics and Society) and a learning frameworks course in educational psychology (EDP 1350, Effective Learning) and has unique experience working with neurodiverse students and students inside prisons. Jonathan is the editor for the Journal of College Academic Support Programs, a nationwide, peer-reviewed academic journal.   

Jonafa Banbury

Jonafa Banbury is a dynamic public speaker, community organizer, and religious public servant. Jonafa received a Master of Arts in Sociology from Texas State University. Her sociological research interests and publications include the intersection of gender, race, and religion, religious music scenes, and pop culture.

She is currently a doctoral student in the College of Education at Texas State University with research interests focusing on the history of Black adult education and Black women and workplace issues. She served as the co-chair of the Black Performing Arts subject area of the Popular Culture Association for 10 years. She is an ordained minister and founder of Commissioned Ministries with over 33 years of experience and previously hosted, created, and directed a number one rated online religious talk show titled “Listen Radio.”  Pastor Jonafa serves on the board of the Dunbar Heritage Association which is an organization designed to organize, promote, and raise awareness for San Marcos' Martin Luther King Holiday Celebration, Black History Month, and Juneteenth Events. She and her husband, Alex Banbury, work together within this organization and hosts the only community-wide effort in the city of San Marcos to commemorate Dr. King’s birthday. She previously served as the president of Speaking Heart to Heart, Women Wellness Counseling a non-profit committed to promoting self-care and wellness for marginalized communities. She is a proud member of the Phi Xi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, annoying her adult children, and helping others.