Welcome John Jennings to the Blue, Gold & BLACK Podcast. Jennings is a Professor of Media and Cultural studies for the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences. In this episode Professor Jennings discusses his journey of being a Black man in America that overcame poverty. Tune in as he touches on how he was able to follow his dream of becoming an award winning artist through gaining access to higher education.

Welcome Desmond Harvey to the Blue, Gold & BLACK Podcast. Desmond is an Academic Advisor for Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering (BCOE). In this episode, Desmond discusses his experience attending an HBCU and its impact on his present day leadership style. As an advisor at UC Riverside, Desmond emphasizes the importance of facilitating a culture of mentorship amongst his students. Listen, as Desmond speaks on the events that influenced his career of melding engineering and student guidance.

Please welcome Elizabeth Tisdale to the Blue, Gold & BLACK Podcast. Elizabeth services UCR students as an Academic Adviser for the School of Business. Elizabeth is no stranger to UCR. She is an alum and has worked for multiple sectors of the campus community. Listen in as Elizabeth gives us insight to the School of Business and how the Business Major can benefit a student in pursuing a career in the field of business!

Welcome Dr. Ademide to the Blue, Gold & BLACK Podcast. Dr. Ademide is a historian who researches mostly cities, especially 19th century cities in West Africa. Dr. Ameides story is inspiring for all those who are interested in higher education and are currently undecided on the career they desire. Dr. Ademide encourages individuals to identify their interests and see how they can match them. We are excited to see Dr. Ademide at UCR, hear her story and understand how it led her on her journey today.

Welcome Dr. Jody Benjamin to the Blue, Gold & BLACK Podcast. Dr. Benjamin serves UCR as a Professor of African History. His research focuses on the 18th and 19th century transformations reshaping western Africa up to the early colonial period. Dr. Benjamin grew up with deep roots to Black culture but did not originally set out to be a Professor of African History. Listen as he shares his story and what led him to discovering the amazing world that is African History.

Welcome Dr. Jennifer Brown to the Blue, Gold & BLACK Podcast. Dr. Brown serves UCR as the Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education and a professor of Public Policy. Dr. Brown has an extensive history within the world of higher education. She also talks about an amazing story of perseverance to continue through and excel in higher education despite some setbacks. Listen in as Dr. Brown talks to us about understanding the structures within higher education and what makes a university run smoothly behind the scenes.

Welcome Shonte Thomas to the Blue, Gold & BLACK Podcast. Shonte serves the students of UCR as the Associate Dean of Students of the Ethnic and Gender Centers. In this episode, Shonte talks to us about her upbringing and how it shaped her outlook on education. As an alumn of the UC system, she is well equipped to advocated for students, especially students that have been historically underrepresented within the UC system. Listen as she details her journey through higher education and how she uses the experiences of that journey to advocate for Black and other underrepresented students here at UCR!

Welcome Dr. Kendrick Davis to the Blue, Gold & BLACK Podcast. Dr. Davis serves UCR as the Associate Dean of Assessment and Evaluation at the School of Medicine here on UCR’s campus. When it comes to advocating on the behalf of Black students and their genius, Dr. Davis is one of the biggest champions. He believes that the gifts of Black students are only bound by the realm of possibilities that they are nurtured by. Listen as Dr. Davis tells us about his amazing journey through education and how he inspires Black students to achieve their limitless potential.

Welcome Dr. Raquell Rall to the Blue, Gold & BLACK Podcast. Dr. Rall is an Assistant Professor for UCR’s Graduate School of Education. Dr. Rall grew up with the understanding that education is fundamental to the success of Black children. Having parents who championed her and her educational journey, Dr. Rall services students of UCR by teaching them about leadership and governance of higher education as well as equity in higher education. Listen as Dr. Rall shares with us her relationship with higher education and how that shapes the way she services the students of UCR.

Welcome Wilbert Pines to the Blue, Gold & BLACK Podcast. Will serves the UCR Community as an Accessible Tech Specialist for the Student Disability Resource Center. In this episode Will talks to us about the importance of making education and information accessible to ALL students. Will shares experiences of his upbringing that shaped the man he is today. He has an extensive professional history and brings a unique worldview to the way he carries out his work here at UCR. Listen as Will talks about the importance of the SDRC and how ALL students should feel encouraged to seek resources and support to help them be successful.