We Want to Get to Know You!
If you would like to nominate someone as a subject for our "10 Things To Know" profile series, please contact the Office of Communications and Media Relations at media-relations@stonehill.edu.
10 Things to Know About Adaeze Ogunedo
Meet one of Stonehill's newest staffers, responsible for enhancing the experience of prospective students.
Adaeze Ogunedo, associate dean of admission, diversity recruitment & access, ready to greet prospective students visiting Stonehill's Admissions Welcome Center.
Adaeze Ogunedo, associate dean of admission, diversity recruitment & access, is a woman of many monikers. Some refer to her by her given name. Others call her Daisy. To the people of the Igbo tribe (from which her ancestors hail), she is known by a rather regal title.
“The name Adaeze translates to 'daughter of a king,’” she said. “That leaves some huge shoes to fill.”
An educator, advocate and musician, the associate dean has led an impressive life since immigrating to the United States at age four from Lagos, Nigeria.
Here are 10 things to know about Adaeze “Daisy” Ogunedo.
Ogunedo joined the Stonehill College community in August 2021.
1. She joined the College in August 2021. Prior to becoming a Skyhawk, she served as Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions at the University of Massachusetts Lowell.
2. She is an important resource for incoming students. Ogunedo helps enhance the experiences of Stonehill applicants from underrepresented backgrounds. “Without mentorship and support in their college search, it’s easy for them to feel disheartened or anxious,” she said. “I hope to ease that burden for a lot of students and their families, while also empowering my colleagues to have the resources they need to do the same in the communities they work with.”
3. She is progressive. Ogunedo hopes to build programs that uplift first-generation students and support Stonehill’s standardized test-blind admissions pilot. She believes such initiatives will help remove admission barriers. Regarding the College’s test-blind policy, Ogunedo notes many students she meets are excited for this change. “I hope we continue to be at the forefront of colleges who are making the decision to reduce the weight of standardized testing on the admissions process,” she said.
4. She hopes to foster a culture of belonging. In addition to introducing new programs, Ogunedo wants to help create an environment at Stonehill where everyone feels a sense of comfort and connection with their peers and colleagues, no matter who they are or where they come from. “This campus has made me feel like an equal in all avenues,” she said. “I hope to share that feeling with others who don’t think they belong.”
5. Her life is a balancing act. Amid her work at the College, Ogunedo is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Leadership in Education from UMass Lowell. “Balancing school, work, and life isn’t the easiest thing, as many of our students can attest, but it is possible,” she said. “You just need to set certain boundaries for yourself and not feel as if you’re alone in the battle. I’ve been able to find support from classmates, my colleagues at Stonehill and family on this road.”
Prior to becoming a Skyhawk, Ogunedo served as Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions at the University of Massachusetts Lowell.
6. She is a classical cellist. She first learned to play over 20 years ago. “That number still shocks me because I still vividly remember my first day of lessons,” Ogunedo said. Before coming to Stonehill, Ogunedo spent a few years conducting youth orchestras and gigging across Massachusetts.
7. She has helped bring diversity to the classical music scene. Ogunedo started her career in music with the UMass Lowell String Project. This program allows students from the Lowell area to learn about string instruments. “A lot of these students were students of color or from low-income families, so they had never had experience in the string world before,” she said. “I love when my former students reach out to me, and many of them still perform.”
8. Beyoncé is her musical idol. Ogunedo previously worked with one of Queen Bey’s violinists while conducting an ensemble. “She is constantly telling me about the hard work she puts in as a member of Beyoncé’s crew,” Ogunedo said. “When I realize I have the same 24 hours in a day that Beyoncé does, it kicks me into gear."
9. Her musical tastes are eclectic. “My music depends on my mood,” she said. “I listen to African musicians, classical works, and groups like Paramore. It really depends on the day and what kind of soundtrack I want to set my life to.”
10. She enjoys audio narratives. Ironically, the musician prefers listening to podcasts while driving to and from Stonehill. Her current favorite is The Magnus Archives, a horror fiction podcast.