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 Black/African American students, faculty, and staff.
Guiding Principles:
- Engage and promote the Advancement of Black students, faculty, and staff. We are aware of the impact and contributions of Black faculty and the community and will uplift our community to thrive.
- Promote academic excellence.
- Collaborate with various Black leaders and mentors to increase recruitment and awareness.
- Promote student well-being and Black 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 Black students, faculty, and staff within the University of Arizona community. We strive to create an inclusive environment that fosters excellence, equity, and empowerment.
Vision of BAE
We envision a future where Black 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 Black individuals at our university.
Commencement 2024
Dr. Benson with Honorary Doctorate Steve Kerr.
Executive Office of the President
The Office of Black Advancement and Engagement (BAE) oversees university efforts to improve the success of Black and African American students and to promote, empower, and uplift them by promoting programs that meet the needs and interests of Black Culture.
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 Black students, faculty and staff and connect them with the Black/African American community.
This Office of Black Advancement and Engagement (BAE) was founded in 2022 by President, Robert Robbins. BAE aims to increase Black and African American awareness and increase the overall presence by actively engaging with the broader university and general community by advocating for policies that promote Black advancement. In addressing these ideals, we aim to effect meaningful and lasting change.
We are dedicated to helping Black 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 Black faculty, staff, students, and community members is our primary goal. Through the promotion of research, celebratory events, and the dissemination of Black and African American culture, we strive to cultivate a vibrant and culturally diverse 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
Inspiration for Future Generations
The African American Museum of Southern Arizona (AAMSAZ) is a collective home for stories, artifacts, culture, genealogical data, and how it speaks to the African American human condition. AAMSAZ wants to expand its collections to represent the African American community in Southern Arizona. The collections are held in trust for the Southern Arizona community and for the world and are curated in perpetuity for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of current and future generations.
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.
Visit AAMSAZ
Student Resources
African Student Association (ASA)
The mission of the African Student Association is to promote unity and understanding among African students at the University of Arizona.
Organization Contact:
President: Grace Boubeka
Embedded Counselor
Yvonne Smith
LAC Behavioral Health Clinician and Site-Based Counselor at African American Student Affairs (AASA)
Counseling & Psych Services (CAPS) Embedded Counselor
African American Student Affairs (AASA)
Facilitate a support system that helps students achieve academic excellence and an enriching African American cultural experience at the University of Arizona. AASA provides opportunities for students to learn more about leadership, social justice, and creating community.
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!
Student Clubs and Organizations
At the University of Arizona, we recognize the importance of fostering an inclusive campus community. These groups provide a supportive community, fostering cultural celebration, collaboration, and personal development.
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.
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.
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.
Black Community Council (BCC)
BCC's strategic emphasis is on equipping juniors and seniors with real-world experiences that foster career empowerment, cultural competency, and creative collaboration skills for a world of difference.
Jennifer Hatcher, RN, PhD
Interim Associate Vice President, Diversity & Inclusion
Office of Diversity & Inclusion (ODI)
jhatcher@arizona.edu
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.
Events
There are no upcoming events listed.