Alex J. Lucier (they/them) serves as the Assistant Director for Accommodations & Student Success at the Office of Accessibility Resources, Minnesota State University, Mankato. In this role, they coordinate and implement accommodation plans for students with disabilities and oversee alternative testing arrangements, alternative format acquisitions, and assistive technology support, among other duties. Alex’s journey in higher education began at Minnesota State University, Mankato, where they studied as a student with disabilities. They earned a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistic Anthropology with a minor in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, followed by a Master of Science in Counseling & Student Personnel – College Student Affairs. Recently, Alex completed an ASL Certificate program at MSU, Mankato, “graduating” in May 2025, and they are currently ABD in their doctoral studies in Higher Education Administration at St. Cloud State University.
Alex applied to the Board of the Commission because of a personal and professional connection. Identifying as Hard of Hearing, Alex began experiencing hearing loss as an adult and now uses hearing aids, which they affectionately call their “ear glasses” to help normalize their use. They have personally witnessed and experienced gaps between institutions of higher education and serving individuals who are d/Deaf, DeafBlind, or Hard of Hearing. Recognizing that what is considered “normal” in higher education disadvantages those with hearing loss, Alex wants to bring their expertise to the table to address these gaps. Alex also advocates for the inclusion and protection in the workplace of individuals with ADHD, a condition they live with. When not working or studying, Alex enjoys playing online video games, managing their burgeoning houseplant collection, and caring for their cat, Rex.
"I am privileged to serve on the Board as a representative of those who share experiences similar to mine. While higher education is often called the Great Equalizer, its inaccessibility can deepen opportunity gaps for individuals with hearing loss. I feel a strong responsibility to advocate for those who are denied opportunities, and I hope to use this platform to elevate the voices—and hands!—of people like me." - Alex J. Lucier
