Campus News
Natasha Thompson named director of the Disability Resource Center
The Division of Student Affairs and Success is pleased to welcome Natasha Thompson to UC Santa Cruz as our new Director of the Disability Resource Center (DRC)! Natasha brings a strong background in disability services, educational leadership, and student support, with experience spanning K–12 settings. Throughout her career, she has led complex programs, supported compliance […]
The Division of Student Affairs and Success is pleased to welcome Natasha Thompson to UC Santa Cruz as our new Director of the Disability Resource Center (DRC)!
Natasha brings a strong background in disability services, educational leadership, and student support, with experience spanning K–12 settings. Throughout her career, she has led complex programs, supported compliance and access initiatives, and developed systems that promote inclusive learning environments. Natasha is known for her ability to build strong partnerships across institutions, collaborating closely with faculty, staff, families, and community partners to ensure students receive coordinated and meaningful support.
Her experience supervising multidisciplinary teams, leading professional development, and advancing practices such as Universal Design for Learning aligns closely with the mission of the Disability Resource Center. She has also demonstrated a deep commitment to student success through her work supporting diverse learners, strengthening access to services, and fostering inclusive campus communities. Natasha recently completed her Doctorate in Educational Leadership, with a focus in trauma-informed practices, further strengthening her expertise in equity-driven, student-centered practice.
Natasha shared the following about joining the UCSC family:
Serving as Director of the Disability Resource Center is both an honor and a responsibility I take deeply to heart. I believe accessibility, inclusion, and advocacy are not just services we provide; they are values that strengthen our campus community. I look forward to connecting with the campus community and creating spaces where every individual feels supported, empowered, and seen.”
Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Natasha as she begins her journey at UC Santa Cruz. We are excited to have her as part of our community and are grateful for the experience, perspective, and dedication she brings to this important role.
Natasha started her journey at UCSC on Monday, June 1st and can be contacted at: nagthomp@ucsc.edu