UC San Diego Black Resource Center Welcomes Inaugural Director

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Stacia Smith Solomon

The newly established Black Resource Center at UC San Diego has appointed Stacia Smith Solomon to serve as the center’s inaugural director, providing resources and support to historically underrepresented students on campus. The opening of the Black Resource Center was formally celebrated May 29 with a packed house and remarks from Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla, UC San Diego alumnus Dr. Rodney Hood, and current and former Black Student Union members. Located on the second floor of the Old Student Center, the new space will serve as a place for students to hold critical conversations, commune with peers and access career and academic resources.

“We are pleased that Stacia Smith Solomon will be joining our campus as director of our Black Resource Center,” said Linda S. Greene, UC San Diego’s vice chancellor for equity, diversity and inclusion. “Her passion for working with a diverse student body, coupled with a strong background in multicultural student affairs, makes her the ideal leader for a center that will serve as a vital resource for recruiting and retaining black students at UC San Diego.”

The Black Resource Center will serve as a community space to house new and existing campus inclusion programs and a place where all UC San Diego students can find academic support, non-academic counseling and leadership development resources, among other services. Solomon will lead the initiative to form partnerships with campus community centers, academic programs such as the African American Studies minor and student support services with the goal of improving the academic and social experience for all students. Additionally, programming will be developed in collaboration with faculty and student organizations to address and understand issues of diversity.

“Historically underrepresented students at large research institutions are close to my heart because I understand their challenges,” said Solomon. “I’m delighted to play an integral role in developing this campus unit and contributing to a welcoming campus environment for current and future UC San Diego students.”

With more than a decade of experience working with high school and post-secondary level students from underserved communities, Solomon is committed to ensuring that each student receives the positive direction they need for effective social, emotional and academic development.

Kathleen D. Johnson, UC San Diego director of undergraduate education and program planning, was chair of the search committee that included faculty, staff, students and alumni. She had high praise for Solomon: “Although the pool of candidates was very strong, Ms. Solomon stood out as particularly well qualified for this important position. She has depth, experience and presence.”

Solomon’s previous roles have focused on preparing and nurturing students along their path, including program coordinator for GEAR UP, a college readiness program at California State University San Bernardino, and assistant director of African American Student Affairs at North Carolina State University, where she served as a voice and counselor for African American students on campus.

“The Black Resource Center, under the leadership of its new director Stacia Smith Solomon, will be an important resource for incoming students who seek a space to connect with peers, but also a place where all students may join together to socialize, network and build a community, regardless of political affiliation or culturally black identity” said Grant White, chair of the Black Student Union at UC San Diego.

For more information about UC San Diego’s efforts to ensure a welcoming and inclusive campus to all students, staff and faculty, please visit http://diversity.ucsd.edu.