Dr. John K. A. France, Program Director
(302) 831-4103
Dr. France is a proven leader for 18 years with significant experience committed to serving underrepresented populations, developing and implementing student success initiatives, as well as possessing an in-depth knowledge of student development theory and best practices in academic advising/coaching. Before joining the UBC family, he worked at Rutgers University-Camden, where he served as a Senior Counselor and an integral member of the Educational Opportunity Fund Program. Dr. France was accountable for advancing, facilitating student success, administering policies, and funding compliance. He also served as a liaison to both internal and external stakeholders.
For 17 years, he has dedicated and devoted his life to serving students by providing a meaningful holistic and comprehensive educational counseling and developing intervention strategies for college success. His professional strengths include effective situational leadership, creative problem-solving, and the ability to mobilize a team toward the achievement of desired goals.
Dr. France received a Doctorate of Education in Community Counseling from Argosy University, a Masters of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling from South Carolina State University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Claflin University. He is a proud member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., since 1998. Dr. France’s educational philosophy is that attaining education is essential to an individual’s foundation, and it should be accessible to anyone who desires to benefit from the educational opportunities afforded to them.
Nafatari Manigault, MEd., Program Coordinator
(302) 831-6667
Ms. Manigault, also known as Ms. T, has been in the role of Program Coordinator at the University of Delaware for 3 years and a results-driven advisor for over 10 years in the field of education. Ms. T works diligently to build strong professional relationships with parents and students alike to ensure UBC scholars are able to work through everything from tackling personal or professional decisions, clearing up confusing information about college or career paths, to reaching important milestones. It is her job to guide students on the path of success. Working with students and families from Pennsylvania, Delaware & New Jersey has given her great pride over the past15 years.
Ms. T holds a degree in Finance from Strayer University. She also earned a Master’s degree in Education Curriculum Design from Strayer University. She is a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. since 1998 and has held various positions within the international organization on the local level. She has taught high school and college-level maths at Chester High School, University of Pennsylvania, LaSalle University and Harcum College. It is Ms. T’s personal teaching method that if a student cannot learn the way the educator teaches, then the educator must change and begin to teach the way the student is capable of learning and then give them the skills to elevate their learning without the educator. If you are not aware of how your students learn then you are not capable of teaching them properly.
Brianna Bryson, Office Assistant
(302)-831-6373
As an Upward Bound Classic alumnae (C/O 2018) and the current program assistant. I am currently a sophomore at the University of Delaware pursuing a degree in the field of Nursing. I currently assist in the office, planning much-needed services and activities with the Director and Program Coordinator or tutoring students during the school year. My goal is to listen to our students and try my best to plan fun, educational and impactful events throughout the program year, that our students will enjoy. I am always willing to help, whether that is in or out of the classroom. I will try my best to incorporate student ideas and desires into plans for the summer and academic portions of the program and to connect with students and parents. It was not too long ago I was in their shoes as a student. I am very excited to continue the work of UBC alongside Dr. France and Ms. T.