Alechia Abioye, Ed.D., is the assistant dean for student affairs and professional development at the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine. She is a higher education leader with expertise in student affairs, student engagement, academic advising, college access, strategic planning and student success. In her role, she supports the personal, academic and professional development of medical students while fostering an environment that promotes growth, engagement and achievement.

Abioye's professional interests include student development, leadership education, college access and higher education administration. She is particularly passionate about creating programs, policies and support systems that help students thrive throughout their educational journeys.

Before joining the College of Medicine, Abioye served as assistant vice president of student engagement and campus inclusion at the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis, Missouri. In that role, she led initiatives focused on student engagement, campus culture and student success. Earlier in her career, she worked in college access and academic advising, helping students navigate higher education and supporting their academic and personal development. She also played a key role in establishing the foundation for what became the Office of College Readiness and Transition at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

Abioye also serves as an adjunct instructor in Maryville University's Doctor of Educational Leadership program. Her research interests include student experiences in higher education, leadership development and factors that contribute to student success, engagement and a sense of belonging. She is also interested in examining the experiences and advancement of underrepresented populations within higher education.

Abioye earned a bachelor's degree in journalism and a master's degree in educational leadership and policy analysis from the University of Missouri. She received her Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership from Maryville University, where her dissertation focused on racial consciousness among undergraduate students.