Appointment of John W. Rawlins III as Black Resource Center Director

We are pleased to welcome John W. Rawlins III as the new Director of UC San Diego’s Black Resource Center (BRC). In this role, Rawlins will be responsible for overseeing programs and services that support Black students by fostering a safe and equitable environment, as well as providing increased access to research and mentorship opportunities. His work, alongside the staff of the BRC, will advance the Black Academic Excellence Initiative by centering the needs of Black students, faculty, and staff on campus, and working with the broader campus community to enhance the UC San Diego experience for all.

Rawlins’ commitment to serving as an advocate for students of color is informed by his own experiences navigating predominantly white institutions in both his undergraduate and graduate programs at Cornell University and The Johns Hopkins University. Today, he is passionate about creating spaces that honor, validate, and affirm the experiences of Black students, and he looks forward to continuing this work at UC San Diego. He is eager to collaborate with the staff of the BRC, as well as other campus partners, to facilitate the recruitment, retention, and graduation of Black students.

Prior to joining the Triton family, Rawlins served as Director of the Black Student Center and Special Assistant to the Chief Diversity Officer in the Office of Inclusive Excellence at California State University, San Marcos. Originally from the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, he earned his Bachelor of Science from Cornell University and his Master of Arts from The Johns Hopkins University. Rawlins is a Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and he currently serves as the President of the Cornell Black Alumni Association.

Outside of the academic space, Rawlins has an active music career, having collaborated with celebrated musicians like Wynton Marsalis and Kirk Franklin. His affirming, compassionate approach to working with students is inspired by his love of music and its ability to unite individuals through challenging times. He looks forward to the opportunity to share his knowledge, expertise, and personal experiences with Black students, faculty, and staff seeking community and a sense of belonging at UC San Diego.

Becky R. Petitt
Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion