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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:

  1. 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.
  2. Promote academic excellence. 
  3. Collaborate with various leaders and mentors to increase recruitment and awareness. 
  4. Promote student well-being and the University of Arizona's culture and pride.
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arizona wildcats

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. 

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Commencement 2024

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!

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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.
2018 UA Welcome Back Event-151

Advancement

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.

 

UA Mentors and Mixer 2023

Engagement

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.

BCC Event photo

Programs

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.

Engage with the UA Campus

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.
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Student Resources

Campus Resources

Community Resources

Upcoming Events

  • Juneteenth 2025

DATETIMELOCATIONSPEAKERTOPIC
Thursday      5 June2:00 – 3:00 pm

Student Union, Pima Room, 

3rd Floor

Dr. Lehman Benson IIIBeyond Juneteenth              
Thursday   12 June2:00 – 3:00 pm

Student Union, Pima Room,

 3rd Floor

Daisy Jenkins, Esq.Community Council for Student Success  
Tuesday       17 June2:00 – 3:00 pm

Student Union, Pima Room, 

3rd Floor

Dr. Cheree MeeksNAACP
Thursday   26 June4:00 – 6:00 pmHealth Sciences Innovation Building, The ForumMs. Johnique Woods, MS

Art of Food & Harlem Renaissance Dinner

Tickets $25 via TRELLIS at: 

https://events.trellis.arizona.edu/en/f44lNu67/juneteenth-and-beyond-art-of-food-dinner-4a3UKgGnyf/overview 

  • 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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Level Three of Student Union

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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

https://news.arizona.edu/employee-news/harlem-inspired-dinner-headlines…

DINNER LOCATION: HEALTH SCIENCES INNOVATION BUILDING (HSIB) – THE FORUM, 1660 E Drachman St., Tucson, AZ 85721

HSIB Outside view

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HSIB

HSIB Forum view

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HSIB Forum

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Campus Map: https://map.arizona.edu/

Parking Map: https://parking.arizona.edu/pdf/maps/campus-parking-map.pdf