Benita Rashaw didn鈥檛 plan to go to college. Despite graduating in the top 10 of her high school class and excelling in a high school math and science program, she expected to follow a familiar path鈥攇etting a government job in downtown Washington, D.C. Then a dedicated teacher stepped in and insisted that she aim higher.
That moment changed the trajectory of Rashaw鈥檚 life. With her teacher鈥檚 support, Rashaw enrolled at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore just two weeks before classes began and went on to earn a bachelor鈥檚 degree, a master鈥檚 degree and, ultimately, a PhD.
Today, Rashaw serves as associate vice president for Student Resolution Services at University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), where she helps others navigate their own educational journeys. Known in her community as the 鈥淐ollege Lady,鈥 she mentors and supports individuals seeking access to higher education.
鈥淓ducation changes the trajectory of your life,鈥 Rashaw said. 鈥淚t opens doors鈥攏ot just for you, but for your family. I鈥檓 living proof of that.
Like many UMGC students, Rashaw had dreams and aspirations, but lacked the information and resources to pursue them. Neither of her parents had attended college. So, she understands firsthand some of the barriers that students face and has spent 26 years in higher education working to remove those barriers and create opportunities. In her free time, often in partnership with her sorority, she is involved in community presentations to help families understand the college admissions process and the long-term value of a degree.
Rashaw鈥檚 influence extends beyond volunteer outreach, as well. At t 黑料社区, she is designing Student Resolution Services to ensure that institutional policies and practices support鈥攏ot hinder鈥攕tudent success.
Her work reflects UMGC鈥檚 commitment to accessible, student-centered education, and her life, in turn, is a reminder of how education鈥檚 impact can extend across generations
It is a role that Rashaw is happy to embrace. 鈥淗elping others find their path to and through college has become my life鈥檚 work,鈥 she said.