We are excited to announce Think Tank’s Director, Taranika Sanders!

Taranika Sanders recently joined the U of A in a professional role as the Director of Think Tank. Within minutes of meeting her, it is obvious her passion for education and the betterment of students is barely less than her passion for her hometown, Chicago. She shared: “it's probably the most interesting thing about me. I love my city.”

Taranika received her undergraduate degree from DePaul University in Secondary Education and her master's degree from San Xavier University in Curriculum and Instruction. In addition to being a Wildcat in a professional manner, she is also pursuing her Ph.D. from the university. Her teaching career, with a focus on writing and literacy, has taken her through multiple positions and leadership roles. In her most recent position as the Principal of Utterback Middle School (TUSD), Taranika prided herself on “building coherent academic and student support systems grounded in learning theory, data, and best practices.” Her enthusiasm for education, collaboration, and partnership dovetails with the work Think Tank does.

"I'm excited to transition those philosophies about how to serve and how to show up for folks."

Taranika shared that getting this role has lit her up in a way she's been searching for. This role came at the right time for her to pivot from secondary education leadership. She comes equipped with knowledge and skills that have made her “excited to transition those philosophies about how to serve and how to show up for folks.”

Furthermore, Taranika sees the benefits Think Tank has on students' academic journey, especially students that are less likely to make it to the graduation finish line. Think Tank’s free services are a value-add to students, and she is already putting a strong emphasis on "finding those students who are disconnected from resources, disconnected from belonging, and helping connect them to the support they need.” 

When Taranika isn’t pondering big questions about retention and student success, her ideal afternoon would be filled with time outdoors, music, thrifting, and perhaps a meal at her favorite Tucson restaurant, Zemam’s Ethiopian Cuisine. Taranika shared that she and her husband are so proud of their three children, who have all made college part of their own journeys. And let’s not forget to mention: they have one fur child named Ari Luna, who they are endlessly proud of, too.