Interim Presidential Associate for Student Affairs Partnerships and Senior Strategist Reginald Blaylock was recently appointed as Presidential Associate for Community, Campus Partnerships and Student Experience on Jan. 1. A campus-wide email from the office of the president announced the appointment on Feb. 3.
Blaylock’s new role will include “strengthening university-community collaborations and formal partnerships, including expanding connections and partnerships with historically underserved communities,” according to the announcement, and he will be serving on President Soraya M. Coley’s cabinet.
Part of his role will include bridging the gap between Cal Poly Pomona, local high schools and community colleges in order to make students’ transitions into the California State University (CSU) system a smoother experience.
Blaylock is no stranger to the CSU system, with this year marking his 33rd year working in the system.
“I really do feel like the experience that I bring to this role is a lived experience,” Blaylock said. “I’ve done this work, I’ve been in these spaces and this has really been my life’s work.”
“My experience includes having obviously worked in student affairs for a number of years. I’ve worked in academic affairs, I’ve worked in development and advancement and I’ve worked in athletics, so I really have had, I think, significant experience across multiple divisions,” Blaylock said.
Blaylock has played an integral role in taking measures to enhance students’ college experience and helping cultivate their success. As a former CSU and Educational Opportunity Program student himself, he has a deep passion for supporting underserved communities on campus by promoting equity and inclusion across the CSU system.
“Everyday is amazing when you listen to the students and they share with you what’s going on and you get to be a part of it and you genuinely feel like you’re able to make a difference,” Blaylock said.
Blaylock’s colleague, Associate Provost Sepehr Eskandari, agreed with President Coley’s decision to appoint Blaylock for the position. “(Blaylock) is incredibly passionate about student success,” Eskandari said. “He comes with a very high level of passion, (and) a high level of authenticity about bringing his years of experience to help us move our strategies related to student success.”
CPP’s administration is currently searching for candidates to fill the roles of Vice President for Student Affairs and Associate Vice President/Dean of Students. As such, Blaylock will continue to serve in his role in Student Affairs until the positions have been filled.