Staff

Dr. Jonathan A. McElderry serves as the Assistant Dean of Students and Director of the Intercultural Center at Wake Forest University. His experience in higher education has focused on enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion on college campuses. Additionally, his research has sought to raise awareness of the experiences of underrepresented students at predominantly White institutions and provide strategies to increase their academic and social success. He has presented both nationally and internationally, held leadership positions within the American College Personnel Association, and has received several awards for his work in higher education. Jonathan earned a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis with an emphasis in Higher Education from the University of Missouri, a M.Ed. in College Student Personnel from Ohio University, and a B.S. in Administration of Justice from George Mason University.

María Martínez serves as the Assistant Director in the Intercultural Center. A native of Colombia, Maria immigrated to the United States as a child and grew up in a small town in Tennessee. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Modern Foreign Languages & Literature with a concentration in Hispanic Studies from The University of Tennessee, and her Master of Arts in Higher Education from Florida State University. Maria is passionate about social justice and advocating for students with underrepresented and minoritized identities. Her research and professional interests include identity development for students of color, critical race theory, leadership education, and the experiences of Latinx students at predominantly White institutions. In her free time, you can find Maria trying out new recipes, traveling, and spending time with her family.

John G. Williams serves as the Assistant Director in the Intercultural Center. His interests in student affairs/higher education center on first-generation and low-SES students, advising, and union operations. Also, he has sought to raise awareness towards the achievements for men of color through various programs. John earned a M.S. in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Student Affairs/Higher Education and a B.B.A. in Information Systems from the Mississippi State University.

Darlene D. Starnes was born in Agana on the island of Guam and raised in Junction City, Kansas from the age of three until her graduation from Junction City High School. Darlene has a wide variety of administrative experience ranging from her time managing student loan accounts at Wachovia currently Wells Fargo to serving as the business manager at the Winston Lake branch of the YMCA. Her main interests include supporting her children at their multiple football, basketball and dance functions, being a proud grandparent, as well as spending time with family and friends. Darlene would like all students and visitors to know that she has a heart for college-aged students and their parents (especially since she is one) and looks forward to watching and aiding in their growth and development during their time at Wake Forest.