Our Centers
With COVID-19, we are experiencing a rapidly changing environment at the University. Please check our centers' websites and social media platforms to learn how to reach someone if you are in need. We hope you are all staying safe and healthy!
Bldg 622 | 801-581-7392 | Mon - Thu @ 9 AM - 4 PM
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
Director of the American Indian Resource CenterAs a mother of two, grandmother of five, and auntie to many, Franci (Choctaw, 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
Bldg 603 | 801-213-1441 | Tue - Thu @ 11 AM - 4 PM
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 CenterA 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
Union 235 | 801-581-8151 | Tue - Thu @ 10 AM - 3 PM
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 AffairsTricia (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 & AdvisorOur 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 CoordinatorAnthony (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 & AdvisorGiulia (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 & AdvisorAs 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
Shavauna Munster
Black Student Union AdvisorHistory nerd, hiker, fur parent, and green-thumb-in-training, Shavauna (she/her) enjoys learning new things and is often found in cozy corners of local coffee shops. She recently earned her Masters from the University of Utah in medieval European history and has studied abroad in Sienna, Italy. As the Black Student Union Advisor, she is focused on empowering and advocating for students across the diaspora.
Union 235
shavauna.munster@utah.edu
Diana Chacón
M.E.Ch.A. AdvisorAs the M.E.Ch.A. advisor, Diana (she/her/ella) is committed to the leadership development of students and to provide a place for connection and advocacy. She is dedicated to student support, success, and guidance. Diana thrives in community, enjoys reading, loves southern home cooking, and appreciates Tarahumara art. Her outlook was informed by her experiences living in Carhichi, Mexico and Memphis,Tennessee.
Union 235
801-581-8151
diana.chacon@utah.edu
Chelsea Estrella
Transfer Program Graduate AssistantUnion 235
801-581-8151
chelsea.manza@gmail.com
Julia Kingsdale
First Year Experience Graduate AssistantJulia (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
Kenny Taboada
Engagement & Retention Graduate AssistantUnion 235
KTaboada@sa.utah.edu
Wendy Vazquez
Office AssistantUnion 235
801-581-8151
u1116261@utah.edu
Union 60 | 801-213-3697 | Wed @ 9 AM - 4 PM
Dream Center
The Dream Center works holistically with undocumented students and mixed-status families from college access to graduation. They engage in specialized college outreach and access strategies, promote campus-wide advocacy and trainings, and increase community-wide awareness of policies affecting and provide individualized advising and scholarship support for current and future U of U undocumented students.
Xris Macias
Director of the Dream CenterXris (he/him) is fluent in Espanol and Portugues and enjoys listening to all kinds of music, playing the ukulele, training Capoeira, riding bikes, cruising his Lowrider on the weekends, and spending time with his wife and two sons.
Union 60
801-213-3697
xris.macias@utah.edu
Sujey Rodriguez
Graduate AssistantUnion 60
801-213-3697
sujey.rodriguez@utah.edu
Union 409 | 801-587-7973 | Thu @ 1 - 5 PM
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 CenterClare (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.
Shelby Hearn
Coordinator of Education & OutreachShelby (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.
Bree Peacock
Executive SecretaryBree (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 AssistantJessica (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 StaffMoani (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
Trey McEuen
Student StaffTrey (he/him) is a fourth year student majoring in Interdisciplinary Performance Studies. Originally from a small mountain town in Utah, he enjoys spending his time outdoors. Trey has a passion for understanding how the performances within fine arts, gender and sexuality studies, and communications intersect and can inform contemporary research. He is also a proud cactus dad and plant enthusiast in his free time.
Union 409
801-587-7973
tmceuen@sa.utah.edu