Our Centers

As campus policies are put into motion to continue preventing the spread of COVID-19, our centers have made the following changes:

American Indian Resource Center

AIRC staff are available remotely via email.

Black Cultural Center

BCC staff are available remotely via email and Skype.

Center for Ethnic Student Affairs

CESA staff and advisors are available remotely via email.

To schedule a meeting with an advisor please contact them via their information below.

LGBT Resource Center

The LGBT Resource Center staff are available Monday – Friday 8am-5pm via phone, email, and Skype.

Students who wish to talk to the LGBT RC staff may contact us at lgbtrc@sa.utah or 801-587-7973.

We are doing our best to keep a list of campus resources as updated as possible. Information on remote resources for students, faculty, and staff can be found here.

Bldg 622 | 801-581-7392

American Indian Resource Center (AIRC)

The AIRC is a “home-away-from-home" for American Indian and Alaskan Native (AI/NA) at the University of Utah that works to increase AI/NA student success through, advocacy, culturally sensitive academic student-centered programming, cultural events, outreach and social events that enhance academic, cultural and personal growth and wellbeing.

Franci Taylor (Choctaw)

Director of the American Indian Resource Center

As a mother of two, grandmother of five, and auntie to many, Franci (she/her) has always wanted the best for others. She has dedicated the last 25 years towards increasing access for all under-represented students and American Indian education. She’s definitely an asset to our team!

AIRC
801-581-7019
franci.taylor@utah.edu

Lori Begaye

Student Staff

Lori’s (she/her) goal is to become a Physician-Scientist (M.D./Ph.D.), and she is well on her way by studying International Studies with a Global Health Emphasis! When she’s not studying, Lori enjoys hiking, working-out, and snowboarding in her free time.

AIRC
801-581-7019
lorijobegaye45@gmail.com

Bldg 603 | 801-213-1441

Black Cultural Center (BCC)

Using a pan-African lens, the Black Cultural Center seeks to counteract persistent campus-wide and global anti-blackness. The Black Cultural Center works to holistically enrich, educate, and advocate for students, faculty, and staff through Black centered programming, promotion of equity and justice initiatives, culturally affirming educational initiatives, and retention strategies.

Meligha Garfield

Director of the Black Cultural Center

A native of Rochester, New York, Meligha (he/him) is an avid movie goer; Marvel comic book enthusiast; and fan of hip-hop, neo-soul, and 80’s R&B. (According to him, the top 5 hip-hop artists are Nas, Tribe Called Quest, Common, Kanye West, and Rakim.) In his spare time, he uses his golden voice for radio, voiceover work, and podcasts. Don’t believe us? Come hear for yourself!

Bldg 603
801-213-1441
Meligha.Garfield@utah.edu

JaTara Smith

BCC & AADSI Coordinator

JaTara's (she/her) is a Texas-native with an adventurous spirit. Her life-goal is to own a non-profit aimed at secondary education and job placement. In her free time, JaTara enjoys reading and riding her horse.

Bldg 603
801-213-1442
jatara.smith@utah.edu

Thandi Msiska

AADSI Undergrad Research Assistant

Thandi (she/her) has two main ambitions: to improve public health on a global scale and to uplift Black voices and communities. She’s found a way of contributing to both by studying Biomedical Engineering and serving as the AADSI Undergrad Research Assistant here at the U! When she has any spare time, Thandi volunteers for the International Rescue Committee and enjoys playing volleyball, eating, and dancing.

Bldg 603
801-213-1442
h.msiska34@gmail.com

Union 235 | 801-581-8151

Center for Ethnic Student Affairs (CESA)

CESA is a vibrant student center that works to support students academically, personally, socially, and culturally. The center is committed to providing programming that assists students in navigating cultural, economic, social, and institutional barriers in order to achieve academic excellence and develop socially responsible individuals who advocate and dialogue for equity and social justice.

Tricia Sugiyama

Director of the Center for Ethnic Student Affairs

Tricia (she/her) is a fourth generation Utahn and is passionate about working with students. Prior to working as the Director, she has been the First Year Experience Program Director, Academic Advisor and Asian American Programs Coordinator! In addition, she spent 5 years at the State Office of Asian Affairs, started her own business, loves all things geek and is a dedicated fur parent.

Union 235
801-587-9568
t.sugiyama@utah.edu

Paul Fisk

Transfer Coordinator & Advisor

Our very own Super Saiyan advises current and potential transfer students from SLCC, Snow College, and the U. [Power-up Intensifies] On top of that, Paul (he/him) co-advises the transfer honor society, Tau Sigma, and AASA and assists in events, workshops, and classes related to transfer students throughout the year! [Power-up level and number of transfer students grow] It’s over 9,000!

Union 235
801-581-3328
paul.fisk@utah.edu

David (Tevita) Kinikini

Retention Programs Coordinator & Advisor

“Ti” (he/him) was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. His passion is education and providing support to student’s success. He is known for his smile, laughter and genuine care. If you stop by his office, he always has something he would love to share with you. If you would really like to know him, ask about his days as a student at East High School.

Union 235
801-581-8151
d.kinikini@utah.edu

Anthony Shirley

Scholarship & Financial Resources Coordinator

Anthony (no pronoun preference) can do and loves everything. Really. From operating as the outreach representative, taking adventures (boating, four-wheeling, hiking, etc.), teaching Navajo language and culture, adding to his 100+ Barbie doll collection (film editions only, of course!), co-advising the ITSA, tending his salsa and mint garden, and advising students like you. Aren’t you lucky?!

Union 235
801-585-6458
a.shirley@utah.edu

Giulia Soto

Second Year Program Coordinator & Advisor

Giulia (she/her) supports students explore major and career paths and develop a plan to achieve your goals. As a Diversity Scholar alumna, she can connect you with alumni. She loves to dance, especially Peruvian Folklore. Passionate about providing equitable education in Latin America, she interned in Honduras & Peru and got a M.S.Ed in International Educational Development at UPenn.

Union 235
801-581-8151
giulia.soto@utah.edu

Martha Hernandez

Outreach Program Coordinator & Advisor

As outreach coordinator, Martha (she/her) is here to help students connect with the great advisors and programs in CESA, and other resources on campus. Martha is a history teacher by training and a cat-lover by heart. When she is not reading, gardening, or watching documentary films, you can find her visiting a national park.

Union 235
801-581-4378
martha.hernandez@utah.edu

Reyna Villegas

Engagement & Retention Graduate Assistant

Our cute Rilakkuma graduate assistant, Reyna (she/her), is currently pursuing her Master in Social Work. She loves empowering students by providing/connecting them with resources, increasing leadership, and providing mentoring. In her spare time she likes to read manga and watch anime or Korean dramas.

Union 235
801-581-8151
r.villegas@utah.edu

Chelsea Estrella

Transfer Program Graduate Assistant

Union 235
801-581-8151
chelsea.manza@gmail.com

Julia Kingsdale

First Year Experience Graduate Assistant

Julia (she/her) is excited to live in Salt Lake City after six years in NYC as an elementary school teacher and diversity trainer. She loves living in and exploring new places (she previously lived and taught in Israel, Palestine, and the Republic of Georgia), and she is looking forward to new adventures here in Utah. Julia also loves cephalopods, and she dreams about holding a real live octopus one day!

Union 235
801-581-8151
j.kingsdale@utah.edu

Wendy Vazquez

Office Assistant

Union 235
801-581-8151
u1116261@utah.edu

Union 409 | 801-587-7973

LGBT Resource Center

The LGBT Resource Center provides support, advocacy, and LGBTQIA+ community building for students, as well as educational workshops and opportunities to celebrate LGBTQIA+ cultures for the entire campus. We host many community events, coordinate leadership programs, offer scholarships and emergency funds, and meet with students to support their success.

Clare Lemke

Director of the LGBT Resource Center

Clare (she/her) is committed to fostering a university community that celebrates queer and trans histories, cultures, and lives. She is super qualified in this endeavor, since she earned her Ph.D. by researching the history of sexuality, LGBTQ social movements, U.S. feminist movements, and queer femininities! Clare loves to cook, shop at thrift stores and farmer’s markets, watch movies, travel, and spend time with her magnificent bulldog.

Union 409
801-587-7973

Shelby Hearn

Coordinator of Education & Outreach

Shelby (she/her/they/them) is from Chicago where they got their M.Ed from Loyola University Chicago. She is a lifelong activist and advocate for social justice causes, particularly around LGBTQIA+ education. Shelby is also a cat parent, avid gamer, home cook, and is already in love with Utah pastime pickleball.

Union 409
801-587-7973

Bree Peacock

Executive Secretary

Bree (she/her) is the Executive Secretary here at the University of Utah LGBT Resource Center. She graduated from Indiana University with a B.A. in studio art with concentrations in photography and graphic design. She is passionate about LGBTQ activism, hiking, traveling, and doing photography whenever she can.

Union 409
801-587-7973
BPeacock@sa.utah.edu

Jessica Hernandez

Graduate Assistant

Jessica (she/her) is working towards a Master's of Education with an Emphasis in Student Affairs. She is passionate about social justice and equity in the U.S. and higher education, specifically involving LGBTQIA+ students, students of color, non-traditional, and undocumented student populations. In Jessica’s free time she enjoys discovering new music, finding great coffee shops and singing like no one is around.

Union 409
801-587-7973
jhernandez@sa.utah.edu

Moani Tuitupou

Student Staff

Moani (they/their) is a third-year undergraduate student studying Applied Mathematics. They love hanging out with their two dogs, learning new songs on the ukulele, playing sports, and adventuring out into the world. They want to create a more inclusive environment for the LGBTQ+ community, both in general and in STEM fields, while also connecting with a more diverse population on campus.

Union 409
801-587-7973
MTuitupou@sa.utah.edu

Comstock

Student Staff

Comstock (she/her) is an art student studying ceramics. She pursues means of integrating the queer experience into visual artwork as part of a dedication to social justice, intersectionality, and radical means of expression. She is a believer in the power of community and transformative praxis. In her spare time, Comstock enjoys poetry, museums, and hiking.

Union 409
801-587-7973
ecomstock@sa.utah.edu