Our Mission
The mission of the Dr. Thomas D. Wallace Black Student Success Center is to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment that offers comprehensive programming for all CSUB students who wish to connect, learn, and engage with the rich traditions and experiences of the African Diaspora. The Center promotes academic excellence, personal growth, and cultural awareness while fostering a strong sense of belonging and community across the campus.
Purpose
The Center will support programs, intentional recruitment, retention, and graduation initiatives that enhance student success and engagement. Programs, services, and resources are designed to empower students academically and personally, while strengthening partnerships between CSU Bakersfield and the greater community.
Vision
The vision of the Dr. Thomas D. Wallace Black Student Success Center is to cultivate an equitable and thriving campus environment that honors and celebrates Black heritage and history within the Central Valley and beyond. The Center aims to share collective resources for the benefit of all students, thereby strengthening educational achievement, fostering leadership development, and expanding community engagement. Through culturally relevant programs and services, the Center provides a space for all students to explore identity, build community, and pursue excellence with purpose and pride.
The Goals
Students who participate in the Center will demonstrate a level of success that includes:
- Connecting and effectively navigating through campus, establishing relationships with peers and campus community.
- Participating in campus life and inclusive campus activities benefiting from campus and external resources.
- Achieving exemplary academic performance and persisting to the next classification without delay or discouragement.
- Exhibiting a competitive workforce advantage based on completing internships, and/or
leadership/professional development opportunities. - Connecting with community-based mentors to guide them through their career pathways.
- Earning their perspective degree according to the CSU Graduation Initiative.
- Obtaining an occupation in their desired career field and/or advancing in post-graduate higher education opportunities.