Welcome to the University of Arizona
Black Advancement and Engagement (BAE)
We encourage you to scroll through this website as we work and collaborate with various university and community groups who are dedicated to the advancement of students, faculty, and staff.
Guiding Principles:
- Engage and promote the Advancement of students, faculty, and staff. We are aware of the impact and contributions of faculty and will uplift our community to thrive.
- Promote academic excellence.
- Collaborate with various leaders and mentors to increase recruitment and awareness.
- Promote student well-being and the University of Arizona's culture and pride.
BAE Initiatives
Mission of BAE
The mission of the Black Advancement and Engagement Department is to advance the academic, social, and professional success of students, faculty, and staff within the University of Arizona community. We strive to create an environment that fosters excellence and empowerment.
Vision of BAE
We envision a future where excellence is celebrated, barriers are dismantled, and opportunities for growth and leadership are abundant. Through strategic partnerships, mentorship programs, and advocacy, we aim to elevate the voices and contributions of all individuals at our university.
Commencement 2024
Dr. Benson with Honorary Doctorate Steve Kerr.
Units of the President
The Office of Black Advancement and Engagement (BAE) oversees university efforts to improve the success of students and to promote, empower, and uplift them by promoting programs that meet their needs and interests.
Bear Down, Wildcats!
Message from Vice President of BAE
Dr. Lehman Benson
Welcome to the University of Arizona! It is with pride that I have been appointed a position to overlook and serve the students, faculty, and staff and connect them with the University of Arizona's community.
This Office of Black Advancement and Engagement (BAE) was founded in 2022.
We are dedicated to helping faculty, staff, students, and community members thrive. We offer career growth guidance, personalized mentoring services, and diverse in-person learning opportunities to ensure positive outcomes throughout their college journey.
Engaging the faculty, staff, students, and community members is our primary goal. Through the promotion of research and celebratory events, we strive to cultivate a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere within our academic community.
We provide a range of creative programs to ensure that every student can participate and succeed, regardless of their background. We offer you opportunities for engagement and growth, no matter who you are.
It All Starts Here
Become a student at the University of Arizona and discover your full potential. From undergraduate degrees to PhDs, the University of Arizona has helped students achieve all their academic goals – while embracing the Bear Down spirit – since 1885.
The University of Arizona offers students exceptional learning, inspiring, and creative resources. BAE actively engages in student engagement and recruitment, organizing various campus events and guided tours to help students understand the application process for UA and gain deeper insights into the university.
Apply to UArizona
Student Resources
Counseling & Psych Services (CAPS)
Togetherall connects you with real people who get it in a safe, anonymous space. Share what's on your mind. Give and get support. And learn something new.
Dean of Students Office
The Dean of Students Office at the University of Arizona empowers students by offering engaging and educational experiences that foster accountability, well-being, and personal development through tailored programming, preventative initiatives, and holistic support that enriches their Wildcat Experience.
We are committed to a campus culture of student success so that students can excel academically, socially, and personally to become responsible and active members of our campus community.
Embedded Counselor
Yvonne Smith
LAC Behavioral Health Clinician and Site-Based Counselor at African American Student Affairs (AASA)
Counseling & Psych Services (CAPS) Embedded Counselor
Campus Recreation
The University of Arizona’s Campus Recreation (Campus REC) is the place to be for health and well-being. With three locations across campus, open seven days a week from early morning to late at night, Campus REC is everywhere you are.
Eller African American Honorary
Devoted to advocating, supporting, and empowering the African American community in the Eller College of Management through professional development and community service.
UA Campus Food Pantry
The goal of the UA Campus Pantry is to reduce food insecurity in our Wildcat Community. At our distribution events, students and staff can grab important food staples at no cost. All you need is your CatCard!
Clubs, Student Organizations, & Activities
There are hundreds of student clubs and organizations at the University of Arizona, for everything from niche hobbies to extracurriculars to career-oriented and professional groups. Browse some of our most popular and most distinct clubs on campus for Wildcats.
Campus Resources
Staff Council
UArizona Staff Council's goal is to enhance the quality of career life for Classified and University Staff by providing advocacy, information and resources.
Educational Benefits
The University of Arizona and the Arizona University System offer three options for University of Arizona employees and their families to further their education at reduced tuition rates.
Office of the Ombuds
Ombuds' goal is to create a supportive environment where everyone feels heard and to do so in a way that supports the University’s values of integrity and inclusion.
Strategic Alternative Learning Techniques (SALT) Center
The Strategic Alternative Learning Techniques (SALT) Center is an academic support program that provides services to University of Arizona students with learning and attention challenges. Our innovative approach is recognized as one of the most successful at promoting student achievement in the university setting.
Community Resources
African American Museum of Southern Arizona (AAMSAZ)
AAMSAZ is devoted to gathering and sharing stories, images, and artifacts as we document, digitize, and preserve African American and Black life, culture, and history in Southern Arizona to benefit the community. The museum was founded by the Elliott family in 2021 and opened its doors in 2022 on the University of Arizona campus.
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
The NAACP's mission is to ensure the political, educational, equality of minority group citizens of States and eliminate race prejudice. The NAACP works to remove all barriers of racial discrimination through democratic processes.
UA Black Alumni (UABA)
The UABA community comprises accomplished graduates and former students of the University of Arizona who live throughout the world. UABA was founded in 1982 to promote academic excellence among African American students at the university.
Upcoming Events
Juneteenth 2025
| DATE | TIME | LOCATION | SPEAKER | TOPIC |
| Thursday 5 June | 2:00 – 3:00 pm | Student Union, Pima Room, 3rd Floor | Dr. Lehman Benson III | Beyond Juneteenth |
| Thursday 12 June | 2:00 – 3:00 pm | Student Union, Pima Room, 3rd Floor | Daisy Jenkins, Esq. | Community Council for Student Success |
| Tuesday 17 June | 2:00 – 3:00 pm | Student Union, Pima Room, 3rd Floor | Dr. Cheree Meeks | NAACP |
| Thursday 26 June | 4:00 – 6:00 pm | Health Sciences Innovation Building, The Forum | Ms. Johnique Woods, MS | Art of Food & Harlem Renaissance Dinner Tickets $25 via TRELLIS at: |
- June 5th (Thursday) Dr. Lehman Benson III: Beyond Juneteenth: A Conversation on Freedom, Progress, and the Future
This engaging and thought-provoking 60-minute talk, hosted in collaboration with the University of Arizona—an institution dedicated to its land-grant mission of accessibility, service, and societal impact—delves into the deeper significance of Juneteenth. More than just a celebration, Juneteenth serves as both a reflection on history and a call to action for the future. Grounded in the University’s commitment to student success, education, and community engagement, this discussion will address the progress made toward justice and the work that still lies ahead. Together, we will explore how this historic milestone shapes our present and inspires us to continue advocating for empowerment and systemic change.
- June 12th (Thursday) Community Council for Student Success (CCSS)
The speaker will provide a brief overview of the CCSS (formerly Black Community Council) and their advocacy for students, faculty, and staff over the years.
- June 17th (Tuesday) Dr. Cheree Meeks – NAACP
Discover how a legacy of bold voices and fearless action shaped America with an engaging journey through the history and advocacy of the NAACP!
LECTURES LOCATION: STUDENT UNION MEMORIAL CENTER (SUMC), 1303 E University Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85719
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- June 26th (Thursday) Ms. Johnique Woods: Art of Food & Harlem Renaissance Dinner
Join us on June 26th for a culinary journey through the Harlem Renaissance! Enjoy a four-course tasting menu paired with handcrafted mocktails, celebrating the art, culture, and flavors of the era. Music provided by University of Arizona School of Music / Tickets $25 available for purchase via TRELLIS
DINNER LOCATION: HEALTH SCIENCES INNOVATION BUILDING (HSIB) – THE FORUM, 1660 E Drachman St., Tucson, AZ 85721
HSIB Outside view
HSIB Forum view
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Campus Map: https://map.arizona.edu/
Parking Map: https://parking.arizona.edu/pdf/maps/campus-parking-map.pdf