Stories of Leadership: Deniece Chideme

Deniece Chideme, ’05, ’11 works as an admissions counselor at San Diego State University.

She received her undergraduate degree from the College of Arts and Letters in the International Security and Conflict Resolution  program. She also obtained a master’s in school counseling from the College of Education.

In her position, she recruits future SDSU students from the Grossmont School District. Originally from San Francisco, she resides in Lemon Grove with her husband, James Hasson, ’06.

Tell us the highlights of your professional career. What are your proudest achievements?

As a first-generation college graduate myself, I am proud of how I work with local students passionate about attending SDSU to achieve their goals. My favorite part is helping students navigate the competitive admissions process to pursue their dreams of a college education. The other side of the coin is that there are students that do not get in and that can be very difficult for them.

What’s your favorite college memory?

During my undergraduate career, I became a member of Sigma Lambda Gamma in its second year. It was brand new and struggling to be established with a very small membership. I was part of its growth and it was like my baby. It’s really thriving now and I feel proud to be part of that history. Through the group, I built lifelong friendships that are still very special to me. Also, I love contributing to a Sigma Lambda Gamma scholarship every year that is awarded to a TRiO program student. Also, SDSU is where I met my husband so that is definitely a favorite memory!

Who was your favorite professor and/or what was your favorite class?

As a graduate student, Beverly Booker taught the introduction to school counseling as a profession class. She embodies everything I aspire to be as a professional. I learned how to be an advocate for my students and it solidified my conviction to work in this field. I still keep in touch with her.

If you were to give current SDSU students some advice, what would you say?

Take advantage of the opportunities that surround you as a college student. There’s so much on campus that’s not available to you after you graduate. Get to know your professors, study abroad, participate in internships and get involved. I really regret not studying abroad as an undergrad. It’s not as easy to do after you graduate. I believe that life is about experiences.

What are you currently reading? What’s your favorite book?

I just finished “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini. I thought his other book, “A Thousand Splendid Suns” was much better. My favorite book of all time is “The Shock Doctrine” by Naomi Klein. It talks about the impact of capitalism on foreign countries.

What is your passion?

Traveling. I love to go to new places, meet new people, try new food and experience all the different cultures that the world has to offer. I am also passionate about education and advocacy for disadvantaged youth. I’m a firm believer in helping others and being a mechanism for empowerment.

What is your motto?

To be non-judgmental. We spend a lot of time placing judgment on other people when it’s simply not our place. It’s better to have real conversations and get to know people first.

If you won the lottery, what would you do with your winnings?

Pay off debts, buy a house, travel around the world and start a non-profit for youth advocacy.

Which trait do you value most in your friends and colleagues?

A great sense of humor.

If you knew you could not fail, what would you attempt?

I would open up a high-performing school for low-income, disadvantaged students with a full range of services to prepare them for life.