Pathways to Graduate School

Faculty Panelists

Dr. Lidia E. Nuño 

Dr. Lidia E. Nuño joined the School of Criminal Justice and Criminology as an associate professor in 2022, and serves as the founding director of the Social Equity Research and Policy Lab. Dr. Nuño holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in psychology, criminology and criminal justice, and justice studies from Arizona State University. Dr. Nuño’s research and teaching interests include immigration, gangs, and policing. She has collaborated with several law enforcement agencies throughout the United States, and has worked with active and incarcerated offenders, including gang members and juveniles, and at-risk youth in the United States, Central America, and the Caribbean.

Dr. Carlton J. Fong 

Dr. Carlton J. Fong is an associate professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction where he teaches and studies topics related to college student motivation and quantitative research. Dr. Fong enjoys mentoring graduate students as his favorite part of being a professor, supporting students to pursue their academic and career-related goals. He currently serves as the College of Education Dean’s Fellow directing Project BELONGS (Bolstering Engagement, Lifting Outcomes, and Nurturing Graduate Students). He recently received the 2023 Presidential Excellence Award in Scholarly/Creative Activities and is currently funded by the National Science Foundation and National Institutes of Health.

Dr. Raphael Travis 

Dr. Raphael Travis is a Professor at Texas State University in the School of Social Work. His research, practice and consultancy work emphasize healthy development over the life-course, resilience, and civic engagement. He also investigates creative arts, especially Hip-Hop culture, as a source of health and well-being for individuals and communities. He is author of the book “The Healing Power of Hip Hop.” His latest research, linking arts engagement and well-being, appears in a variety of academic journals and book chapters.

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.

Dr. Victoria Black 

Dr. Victoria Black currently serves as an Assistant Vice President for Student Success and Director of Academic Engagement. She currently provides leadership and support for a variety of student services including the Student Learning Assistance Center, Disability Services, and Academic Engagement. Her experience with student success includes several publications, various state and national presentations, and international mentoring consultations. An advocate for student success, Dr. Black has published articles in the Journal of College Student Retention: Research, Theory, & Practice, Journal of Mentoring & Tutoring: Partnerships in Learning, and International Journal of Mentoring & Coaching.  Originally from La Joya, TX, she is a first-generation graduate and received a B.A. from the University of Texas San Antonio, a M.Ed. from Texas State University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin.