Vice President of Student Affairs, Diversity and Inclusion
Chris Kandus-Fisher earned his undergraduate degree at Ashland University in Ohio, his master's degree in higher education with a concentration in administration from the University of Akron, and his doctorate in higher education leadership at Nova Southeastern University. He has conducted research on how to best educate students who identify as members of Generation Z through an evaluation of instructional environments and techniques within post-secondary classrooms. Additionally, he has been published regarding the topics of student mental health, campus safety, organizational development, and strategic planning. You can reach him at studentaffairs@berklee.edu.
Lacretia Flash
Assistant Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion
Lacretia Flash has been at Berklee since January 2018. Previously, she served as the senior advisor and chief of staff in the Division of Human Resources, Diversity, and Multicultural Affairs at the University of Vermont (UVM), where she helped establish the President's Commission for Inclusive Excellence and led the campus-wide implementation of the university's framework for inclusive excellence. Prior to that, she was the assistant dean of students in UVM's Division of Student Affairs, where she created and led the division's diversity council and provided leadership for major strategic initiatives.
She earned her doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies at UVM and was awarded the Susan Hasazi ALANA Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement in Doctoral Education. Her dissertation research and other work has influenced scholars, practitioners, and administrators nationwide. In her current role, she provides leadership for strategic diversity and inclusion initiatives. She has a passion for facilitating the education and learning of all members of the Berklee community to deepen their awareness, knowledge, and skills around issues of identity, diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice. She wants all members of the Berklee community to bring their full selves to the unique educational experience at Berklee so they can grow, flourish, and thrive.
She has a deep love for the visual and performing arts, creates jewelry from her collection of over 60 pounds of beads, makes paper mixed-media wall pieces, and is an avid gardener and humble ballet student. You can reach her at lflash@berklee.edu.
Chris Reade
Assistant Vice President and Dean of Campus Life
Chris Reade currently serves as the assistant vice president and dean of campus life. In this role, he is responsible for providing strategic leadership and administrative direction for the campus life team, which includes community standards, housing operations, residential education, student activities, and new student and family programs. Prior to his position at Berklee, he served as dean of students at Boston Conservatory, and he has also held positions at the Aspen Music School and the School for the Museum of Fine Arts. In addition, he has served on the advisory board and the board of directors for the Boston Opera Collaborative. You can reach him at creade@berklee.edu.
Anne Brown
Manager of Student Affairs Administration and Assessment
Anne Brown has been at Berklee since May 2019. Most recently, she served as the associate dean of enrollment services after serving as the director of advising for almost a decade at Bunker Hill Community College. She helped spearhead efforts to streamline processes and systems, and most recently served on an interdisciplinary team that created a one-stop solution for students designed to holistically address student enrollment needs. She has also held positions at Montserrat College of Art, Wheelock College, and Boston College.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in business at the University of Rhode Island, a master’s degree in counseling from Saint Joseph's College, and a J.D. at Northeastern University. In her current role, she will be working with Student Affairs staff to help assess the cocurricular experiences of all students at the college and the impact of student employment within the division.
She grew up in Rhode Island and enjoys spending time on the beach there and at University of Rhode Island basketball games. She enjoys traveling, exploring the city, and reading. You can reach her at abrown26@berklee.edu.
Lee Denton-Smith
Manager of Summer Programs for Student Affairs
Lee Denton-Smith has been at Berklee since May 2006. Prior roles at Berklee include working as a customer service coordinator and switchboard operator, and supervising the institutional information desk for several years. He also worked at Massachusetts Institute of Technology from 2006 until 2010 in various administrative roles, doing event planning, ticket sales, and office support.
He holds five degrees: a Bachelor of Music in composition from 2006 from Berklee, an Associate of Arts in business, an Associate of Science in management, an Associate of Science in computer information systems, and an M.B.A. with a music business concentration. In his current role, he is responsible for the planning and implementation of campus life operations for Berklee Summer Programs.
He enjoys writing and arranging music, baking cookies, binge-watching Netflix, and spending time with friends. You can reach him at ldentonsmith@berklee.edu.
Renese King
Executive Assistant to the Vice President
Renese King has been at Berklee since June 1998. Previously, she has raised funds for nonprofit organizations, managed training operations for a Boston-based telefundraising company, and placed students of color in internships as an account and recruitment specialist with Inroads, Central New England.
She graduated from Berklee in 1990 and from Atlantic Union College in 1987. She's learned that active listening and taking ownership of outcomes are cornerstones in building bridges and trusting relationships with those she serves. She aspires to do this each day with a little more grace than the day before.
By night, she is a vocalist, pianist, songwriter, arranger, and director of the New England Gospel Ensemble. Her recent projects include solo vocal contributions to soundtracks of three award-winning PBS documentaries. You can reach her at rking@berklee.edu.
