Sonoma State University

Black Student Success Advisory Council (BSSAC)

Charge

The Black Student Success Advisory Council (BSSAC) at Sonoma State University will lead efforts to enhance the recruitment, retention, academic achievement, and graduation rates of Black students. The Council will address challenges, develop strategies, and implement programs that align with CSU's Advancing Black Student Success and Elevating Black Excellence recommendations. Committed to equity and using data-driven approaches, BSSAC seeks to foster an inclusive environment where Black students thrive at Sonoma State.

Alignment with Sonoma State Strategic Plan

Core Values

  • Diversity and Social Justice
  • Sustainability and Environmental Inquiry
  • Connectivity and Community Engagement
  • Adaptability and Responsiveness

Strategic Priorities

  • Student Success
  • Academic Excellence & Innovation
  • Leadership Cultivation
  • Transformative Impact

BSSAC Priorities

  • Review Sonoma State's recruitment, retention, and campus climate data for Black students, faculty, and staff, and gather additional data on the Black community to create a summary report.
  • Establish outreach and recruitment goals for Black students at Sonoma State.
  • Create and strengthen existing research, internship, and mentorship programs that support Black students.
  • Develop an outreach plan and review policies to support the recruitment of Black faculty.
  • Develop and create a Black Student Resource Center. 

Membership 

Gerald L. Jones, J.D. – Vice President of Student Affairs (co-chair)

Sarah Ellison, Ed.D. – Associate Vice President of Student Affairs (co-chair)

Tramaine Austin-Dillon – Director of Institutional Equity and Belonging (co-chair)

Ed Mills, Ph.D. – Vice President of Enrollment Management 

Ashante Lacy – Black Student Success Ambassador

Leon Davis – Black Student Success Ambassador

Vanessa Sanchez – Associated Students (AS) President

Laura Alamillo, Ph.D. – Dean of the College of Education, Counseling, and Ethnic Studies

Patrick Johnson, Ph.D. – Assistant Professor, American Multicultural Studies (AMCS)

Kim Hester Williams, Ph.D. – Professor, English & American Multicultural Studies

Kerbrina Boyd – Admissions Specialist