Black Graduate Student Association

Get Involved

Social Events

Upcoming events

BGSA Fall Cookout Friday September 27th 6-8pm

Lunch on us! Meetups
Wednesday 10/16 B&D Burgers 12pm
Wednesday 10/23 Red Chair Cafe 12pm
Wednesday 10/30 Black Cultural Center 12pm

Co-Working Sessions
Mondays 4-6pm @ The BCC

Work Shops

Coming soon!

What kind of professional development opportunities interest you? Fill out our google form!

Creating Community Among Black Graduate Students at The University of Utah!

Housed in the brand new Black Cultural Center, BGSA is here to serve you! Our community of graduate students are here to provide opportunities to strengthen social connections while building professional development skills. BGSA is looking to expand our network at all levels!

Resources

Our mission is to connect students with the resources they need to survive AND thrive in graduate school. We believe community is the key to identifying and overcoming obstacles before they become barriers. Be sure to check out these amazing resources and let us know: How can we help you succeed?

Visit thew new Black Cultural Center!

This is OUR space to meet, study, and worship. Drop in M-F 9am-5pm - - - - - 95 Fort Douglas Blvd Building 603)

Black Programming Series

The Black Faculty and Staff Association (BFSA), The Black Student Union (BSU), and BGSA are working together to organize events catered toward our vibrant Black Community. Connect with our sister organizations on facebook!

Meligha Garfield

--Please welcome our BGSA Advisor-- He is the inaugural director of The Black Cultural Center (BCC) here at the U. His mission is directing student advocacy, organizing BCC programming, and being available to students from his office at the BCC.

African American Doctoral Scholars Initiative

AADSI is dedicated to the eradication of institutional and system racism and oppression. Follow the link to learn more and to apply.

BGSA Leadership

Meet our current BGSA Executive committee members!

Nkenna Onwuzuruoha

BGSA President

Kenna is a doctoral student studying writing and rhetoric with 7 years of teaching experience at Salt Lake Community College. She holds a B.A. in Comparative Literature from the University of Chicago and an M.A. in European Literature from the University of Bristol. She enjoys biking, planning events, traveling, and exploring SLCs vibrant vegan/vegetarian scene.

Jessica McCombs

BGSA Vice President

Jessica is a PhD candidate in the Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry department. She is a SLC native who enjoys outreach, tutoring Ochem, and playing guitar. She holds a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Utah as well as an M.S. in organic chemistry from MIT. She is a resource for students looking to navigate resources for self-advocacy and mental health resources.

Tramaine Jones

BGSA Social Chair

Tramaine hails from Indianapolis, Indiana and holds a B.S. in recreation and sports management from Indiana State with a minor in coaching from Indiana State University. After earning an M.A. in Education with a concentration in sports coaching from Defiance College, Tremaine joined the Us staff as a Student Success Advocate. In addition to his SSA duties, he is a doctoral student in education leadership and policy.

When I dare to be powerful - to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid. - Audre Lorde