Roberts Wesleyan University Appoints Alissa Monette as Director of The A.R.C.H. Program

Roberts Wesleyan University has named Alissa Monette as the new Director of The A.R.C.H. Program, continuing its commitment to expanding inclusive, Christ-centered education.

The A.R.C.H. Program - Access, Readiness, and Choice in Higher Education - is an innovative certificate program designed for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The program creates meaningful opportunities for students to grow academically, socially, and professionally while earning a credential that reflects their unique strengths and abilities.

At its core, A.R.C.H. is about preparing students for life beyond the classroom. Through the program, students:

  • Develop individual skills and talents that support personal growth

  • Participate in campus-wide social experiences

  • Engage in spiritual formation across the Roberts community

  • Build pathways toward meaningful, integrated employment

Monette brings more than a decade of leadership experience across the nonprofit, government, and higher education sectors. Her work has consistently focused on advocating for underserved populations and creating pathways for access and opportunity.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with a minor in Theology from Duquesne University, grounding her work in both practical expertise and a strong sense of purpose.

Most recently, Monette served as Assistant Program Director at SAGE Rochester, where she supported inclusive programming and community engagement. Prior to that, she was the Director of Community and Global Health at Duquesne University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. In that role, she led experiential volunteer programs for more than 120 students and developed over 25 community partnerships to enhance learning beyond the classroom.

Her passion for inclusive education began early in her career through roles such as a one-to-one classroom aide at the School of Holy Childhood and a peer mentor with Best Buddies International.

“Alissa’s deep commitment to advocating for students of all abilities, paired with her background in program development and community partnerships, will be a tremendous asset to the students in the A.R.C.H. program,” said Dr. Adam Huck, Dean of the School of Education and Social Work. “Her alignment with our Christ-centered mission will be instrumental as we work to pioneer equity, dignity, and lifelong learning for our students.”

With Monette’s leadership, the A.R.C.H. Program is poised to continue growing as a place where students are known, supported, and equipped to thrive - both during their time at Roberts and in the communities they will go on to serve.

Cox Hall

About the author

Roberts Wesleyan University

As a community of learners committed to historic Christianity, Roberts Wesleyan University seeks to prepare thoughtful, spiritually mature, service-oriented people who will help transform society.

We are a private Christian university in Rochester, New York, offering over 80 undergraduate and graduate programs.

As the only NCAA Division II institution in the region and member of the East Coast Conference, Roberts is committed to academic excellence, spiritual formation, and competitive athletics.​