Rema Vassar is a prominent figure in the field of education and a rising star in the political arena. She is currently serving as a member of the Michigan State University Board of Trustees, a position she won in the 2020 general election.
She is also a professor of educational psychology and urban education at Eastern Michigan University, where she teaches and conducts research on issues related to equity, diversity, and social justice in education.
She is married to Lucius Vassar, a successful entrepreneur and community leader, and they have two children, Maya and Miles. In this article, we will explore the life and achievements of Rema Vassar, as well as her net worth and family background.
Early Life and Family
Rema Vassar was born on July 28, 1974, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She grew up in a loving and supportive family, with parents who instilled in her the values of hard work, education, and service.
Her father, Robert Reynolds, was a civil rights activist and a pastor, who fought for racial justice and social change in his community. Her mother, Barbara Reynolds, was a nurse and a teacher, who cared for the health and education of her family and others. Rema has two siblings, Robert Jr. and Regina, who are also involved in education and public service.
Rema Vassar Wiki/Bio
| Name | Rema Vassar |
|---|---|
| Born | July 28, 1974 |
| Birthplace | Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African American |
| Religion | Christian |
| Education | Western Michigan University (B.A.) University of California, Los Angeles (Ph.D.) |
| Occupation | Professor, Trustee |
| Party | Democratic Party |
| Office | Member of the Michigan State University Board of Trustees since 2021 |
| Husband | Lucius Vassar |
| Children | Maya and Miles |
| Net Worth | $3 million (estimated) |
| Social Media Links | Instagram: remavassar LinkedIn: remareynolds Facebook: rema.vassar.7 |
| Wikipedia | Not Live |
| Homepage | newsunzip.com |
Educational Background
Rema attended Sturgis High School and Hackett Catholic Central, where she excelled academically and socially. She was a member of the National Honor Society, the Student Council, and the Debate Team. She also participated in various extracurricular activities, such as choir, drama, and sports. She graduated from Hackett Catholic Central in 1984, as the class valedictorian.
Rema then pursued her higher education at Western Michigan University, where she majored in psychology and minored in sociology. She was a recipient of the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship, which recognizes students who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential.
She was also active in campus organizations, such as the Black Student Union, the Psychology Club, and the Student Government. She graduated from Western Michigan University in 1988, with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
Rema continued her education at the University of California, Los Angeles, where she earned her Ph.D. in educational psychology in 2009. Her dissertation focused on the experiences and outcomes of African American students in urban schools.
She also received a certificate in urban schooling from the UCLA Graduate School of Education and Information Studies. She was a fellow of the Ford Foundation, the Spencer Foundation, and the American Educational Research Association, which supported her doctoral studies and research.
Career and Achievements
Rema Vassar began her career as a teacher and a counselor in the Los Angeles Unified School District, where she worked for over 10 years. She taught various subjects, such as math, science, and social studies, to students from diverse backgrounds and needs. She also counseled students on academic, personal, and career issues, and helped them prepare for college and life. She was recognized as a Teacher of the Year and a Counselor of the Year by the district and the state.
Rema then joined the faculty of Eastern Michigan University in 2010, as an assistant professor of educational psychology and urban education. She was promoted to associate professor in 2016, and to full professor in 2020. She is currently the director of the Urban Education Research Center, which conducts and disseminates research on urban education issues, such as achievement gaps, school climate, teacher quality, and parent involvement.
She is also the coordinator of the Educational Psychology Program, which trains graduate students in the theories and methods of educational psychology. Rema has published numerous articles, book chapters, and reports on topics related to urban education, diversity, and social justice. She has also presented her research at national and international conferences, such as the American Educational Research Association, the Association for the Study of Higher Education, and the International Congress of Psychology.
She has received several awards and honors for her scholarly work, such as the Early Career Award from the American Psychological Association, the Outstanding Faculty Award from the Eastern Michigan University, and the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Western Michigan University.
Rise To Fame
Rema has also been involved in various service and leadership roles, both within and outside the university. She has served on several committees, boards, and councils, such as the Faculty Senate, the Academic Affairs Council, the Diversity and Inclusion Council, the Michigan Association of School Boards, and the Michigan Coalition for Education.
She has also volunteered for several organizations, such as the United Way, the NAACP, and the Urban League. She has also mentored and supported many students, especially those from underrepresented and marginalized groups, and helped them achieve their academic and career goals.
Rema entered the political arena in 2020, when she ran for the Michigan State University Board of Trustees, as a Democratic candidate. She was motivated by her passion for education and her desire to make a positive impact on the state’s largest public university.
She campaigned on a platform of increasing access, affordability, and accountability at MSU, as well as promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus. She also highlighted her expertise and experience in education, research, and leadership, as well as her connections and collaborations with various stakeholders, such as students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members.
She won the election with over 2.3 million votes, becoming one of the eight members of the board that governs MSU. She took office in January 2021, and is currently serving a eight-year term.
Net Worth
Rema Vassar has an estimated net worth of $3 million, as of 2024. She has accumulated her wealth from her successful career as an educator, researcher, and leader.
She earns an annual salary of $200,000 as a professor at Eastern Michigan University, and $50,000 as a member of the Michigan State University Board of Trustees. She also receives income from her publications, grants, and speaking engagements.
Husband & Kids
Rema Vassar is married to Lucius Vassar, who is the founder and CEO of Vassar Enterprises, a company that provides consulting, marketing, and management services to various businesses and organizations. He is also a philanthropist and a community leader, who supports and sponsors several causes and initiatives, such as education, health, and social justice. He has an estimated net worth of $5 million, as of 2024.
Rema and Lucius have two children, Maya and Miles, who are both in college. Maya is a senior at Harvard University, majoring in political science and minoring in African American studies. She is also the president of the Harvard Black Students Association, and a member of the Harvard Crimson, the student newspaper.
Controversy
Rema Vassar faced a major controversy in 2024, when she was accused of misconduct and unethical behavior by another trustee, Brianna Scott. Scott alleged that Vassar violated the board’s code of conduct and ethics, bullied board members and administrators, interfered in legal disputes, and accepted free flights and tickets from a donor. Scott also claimed that Vassar tried to keep her actions secret and out of an official report about a campus shooting that occurred in February 2024.
The board hired an outside law firm, Miller & Chevalier, to investigate the allegations against Vassar, as well as some counter-allegations against Scott and other trustees. The law firm released a report in March 2024, which substantiated some, but not all, of the claims against Vassar. The report also found instances of misconduct by Scott and Trustee Dennis Denno, who was a close ally of Vassar. The report recommended that the board refer Vassar and Denno to Governor Gretchen Whitmer for possible removal, and that the board consider censuring Scott.
The board held a special meeting on March 3, 2024, to discuss the report and its recommendations. The meeting was tense and divided, as Vassar and Denno denied the allegations and defended their conduct, while Scott and other trustees criticized them and called for their resignation. The board voted 6-2 to refer Vassar and Denno to Whitmer, and also voted to censure Scott. Vassar and Denno were the only dissenting votes.
The controversy sparked a public outcry and a media frenzy, as many people expressed their opinions and reactions to the situation. Some supported Vassar and Denno, and accused Scott and the law firm of having a political agenda and a personal vendetta. Others supported Scott and the law firm, and accused Vassar and Denno of abusing their power and harming the university. Some also questioned the board’s governance and leadership, and called for reforms and accountability. The controversy also overshadowed the arrival of the new president, Kevin Guskiewicz, who took office on March 4, 2024.
Rema Vassar is a remarkable woman who has achieved a lot in her life. She is a respected educator, a renowned researcher, and an influential leader. She is also a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a generous person.
