Chicago Scholars Announces Dr. Tamara Hoff Pope as Vice President of Programs

CHICAGO— August 3, 2021– Leading youth development non-profit Chicago Scholars announced Dr. Tamara Hoff Pope as its new Vice President of Programs, a key member of the organization’s leadership. After spending more than a decade advising first-generation and low-income students in pursuit of higher education, Pope will continue this work in her new role overseeing all aspects of Chicago Scholar’s programming to cultivate a more vibrant Chicago, powered by diverse leaders from every community.

“My goal has always been not only to provide mentorship and direction for deserving students as they pursue their educational and career goals, but to build the foundation for long-term success throughout their lives.” Dr. Pope said. “In my new role, I hope to expand avenues that will further our mission to support education access and advocacy in Chicago and beyond.”

A staunch advocate of education equity, Pope has spent her career cultivating the academic, social, and leadership development of first-generation and low-income students in higher education. In her previous role as Chicago Scholars’ Managing Director of College Success, Pope oversaw engagement and connection with Scholars and the College Success Team. She has also taught, mentored and advised high school and undergraduate students through Upward Bound, McNair Scholars and 100 Strong African American freshman recruitment and retention programs.

“Dr. Pope’s ongoing commitment to Chicago Scholars’ mission and her skilled understanding of the unique needs of our students’ paths to success make her beyond equipped for this role,” said Jeffery Beckham, Jr., CEO of Chicago Scholars. “I am looking forward to her continued impact as she begins this new chapter of her career at our organization.”

Pope obtained her bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, master’s degree and doctoral degree in Educational Policy Studies all from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She has taught in a number of higher education institutions in the Education/Educational Policy Studies, History, African American Studies and Women’s and Gender Studies departments.

To learn more about the team at Chicago Scholars, click here.