I am delighted to announce that Garrett Naiman has been selected as UC Santa Cruz’s new associate vice chancellor for student development and engagement, and dean of students. He will start in this position on September 4, 2018.
Garrett has served within the University of California system since 2001, first as an admissions counselor and scholars program coordinator at UC Santa Barbara. After spending a few years at the University of Vermont, he returned to the UC as associate director of Academic Enrichment for the Early Academic Outreach Program at UC Berkeley, then deputy director. He subsequently moved to UC Berkeley’s Center for Educational Partnerships, where he most recently served as executive director and chief of staff to the assistant vice chancellor.
Garrett brings a passion for his work underscored by a commitment to equity and inclusion as well as a deep understanding of the complexity of a diverse campus environment. He has demonstrated a clear commitment to supporting students, recognizing the intersecting identities that influence and impact the student experience. With a doctorate of education focused on international and multicultural education and masters degree in higher education and student affairs, Garrett approaches his work through inclusion-based theories and best practices. He has demonstrated interest, ability, and experience in working with student groups and has served as a catalyst for collaborative efforts throughout his career.
Some recent examples of his thoughtful and collaborative leadership include co-writing a public response to “Free Speech Week” at UC Berkeley, which discussed controversial speakers that adversely affected members of the UC Berkeley community; leading his department’s response to ICE presence on and around campus so as to inform undocumented students and staff in a timely manner, while mitigating resultant fear and trauma; and participating on the Campus Student Code of Conduct Review Committee, looking at ways to make that process more accessible and equitable. The breadth and depth of Garrett’s experience will be of great benefit to the UC Santa Cruz community.
I look forward to us welcoming Garrett to campus in early September.
I thank the search committee for its work, which was overseen by Division of Student Success chief of staff, Lucy Rojas.
In addition, I want to express my continuing gratitude to Mosley for her excellent leadership and stewardship while serving as interim dean of students. Her dedication to the work, to the organization, and to the students these past months has been remarkable and very much appreciated. Mosley will continue in this role through August.
