Debra Merchant
Director, Department of Academic Support and Excellence
With University of Cincinnati community since July of 1998

Debra Merchant is a dynamic force in the Department of Academic Support and Excellence.  Her leadership as director impacts a diverse array of students needs on a daily basis.  We recently sat down with Merchant and asked her to share a few thoughts with us on behalf of Women’s History Month.

UCWC:  What accomplishments are you most proud of?

Debra Merchant:  I am proud of my career path.  I have managed to have rewarding experience following my passion and positively impacting people.   I’m also extremely proud of my daughter.  She is a confident, academically talented and socially well rounded young person. I am very proud of her.

UCWC: Where do you see your generation contributing to the empowerment of women?

DM: My generation will be the generation that establishes a solid financial base for future generations.  I am part of the first generation that will have the necessary resources to impact critical issues for women.  Our generation needs to make wise money decisions and contribute to global fundraising for women’s causes.

UCWC:  What excites you about where women are on this campus?

DM:  Women are playing leading roles on UC’s campus.  We are large and in charge! It’s refreshing to see the change. Very proud! 

UCWC:  What challenges are you most concerned with regarding the future generations of women? 

DM:  I am concerned that future generations will not be able to clearly see the long term issues that still need to be addressed.

UCWC:  How do you define your purpose as a woman?

DM:  My purpose is to encourage and empower.  Women are nurturers by nature; not just in familial sense, but also from a leadership perspective.  As women, we have to bring along other women and celebrate the unique differences in each woman’s journey.  There is constant reinvention.  Multi generational relationship are so important to be apart of.   Know where you are going, share where you have been.

The UC Women’s Center is proud to recognize Debra Merchant’s contributions to the campus community.