Students of Alliant: Ben Neale, M.Ed.

By Chelsea Williams, Fall 2009

Age: 31
Hometown: Lebanon, IL
Hobbies: bike riding, running, cooking, beer and wine tasting, dancing to house music, watching documentary films, playing with his dog
Years lived in the Bay Area: 4 years
Favorite SF restaurant: Greens
Hidden Talent: able to "roll" stomach
Favorite Book: “God of Small Things” by Arundhati Roy
Favorite Quote: “Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage.” Anais Nin

Where did you get your previous education and what is your focus area?
I received my undergraduate education at a small, liberal arts school named Knox College in Galesburg, IL. I double majored in Gender and Women's Studies and Sociology. I also received a master's degree in Student Personnel and Policy with an emphasis in Social Justice Education from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

What is your area of research and what makes you passionate about it?
As with my other post-secondary degrees, I focus much of my efforts on deconstructing social group identity related to race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, and class. I have always had a personal interest in gender and racial identity development. In my current research, I want to look at the impacts of White and male privilege on the psychological well-being of college students.

You sport a lot of pink items—your bag, bicycle handles, t-shirts, even your klean kanteen—what’s the message?
First off, I love pink. Second, I use pink in my wardrobe both as a playful platform of protest and for questioning prescribed male gender roles. I can't count how many conversations I have had with men and women about why I think I, and other men, should be able to prominently wear pink without fear of retribution.

How does Alliant fit into your career plans?
I grew to appreciate the role of education in the lives of young people when I was a high school teacher. Additionally, I grew to appreciate the role of support services for those suffering with mental health conditions when I was a social worker. With Alliant's training, I hope to incorporate my experience in both these professions as I look to a career as a therapist in a college-counseling center.

Do you feel you are being supported on campus and in your educational endeavors?
On a personal level, I sought out and found many amazing individuals who have encouraged my development and research in becoming a culturally competent clinical psychologist. On a system-wide level, I think CSPP has work to be done in the areas of LGBTQQ and Gender training and curricular development. I hope my continued work in this Emphasis Area will inspire change now and into the future.