SAN DIEGO, CA – San Diego State University (SDSU) will now serve as the lead institution for the Southern California Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (SoCal HERC).
HERC, which is made up of 700 institutions and agencies, 33 of them in the Southern California region, is dedicated to equity and excellence in higher education, recruitment and retention.
“SDSU is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive campus community through dedicated student support services and expanded recruitment efforts for faculty, staff and students,” said Salvador Hector Ochoa, SDSU Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. “This partnership with HERC only strengthens that effort and provides the university the unique opportunity to support the region as a leader in developing a campus community where all are welcome, supported and excelling.”
Prior to moving to SDSU, the SoCal HERC was housed at the University of California, San Diego, where the regional initiative launched in 2003.
“The Southern California Higher Education Recruitment Consortium actively connects California’s diverse workforce to good career opportunities in higher education and helps our Southern California colleges and universities create truly inclusive workplaces,” said Jennifer Park, SDSU Campus Director of Inclusive Recruitment and SoCal HERC Regional Director.
SDSU’s leadership role with the SoCal HERC further strengthens the university’s commitment to creating an inclusive academic community that reflects the diversity of the state of California. As the primary “influencer” of a regional network of individuals and institutions who are committed to building diversity, equity, and inclusion for faculty and staff and students, SDSU is at the center of a community that spans all five counties in Southern California (Central Coast, Los Angeles, Inland Empire, Orange County and San Diego Counties). This community includes more than 30 diverse institutions, universities, research institutes, teaching hospitals, and community colleges. SoCal HERC’s community includes over 450,000 students, 700 regional HERC colleagues and over 6,000 national HERC colleagues.
Ruth Molina, Governance Board Chair of the Higher Education Recruitment Consortium, says of SDSU’s new role as lead institution, “SDSU joins 13 colleges and universities, including University of Washington, Oregon Health & Science University, and Harvard University, that have elevated their commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the higher education workforce by serving as regional lead institutions. Their dedication allows HERC to address regional issues head-on; promote higher ed careers to diverse and talented job seekers; and create a space for individual HERC members to network outside of their institutions or systems. We are excited to work with SDSU in our collective efforts to build a higher education workplace where people from all backgrounds and perspectives can thrive.”
ABOUT SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY: San Diego State University is a major public research institution that provides transformative experiences for its more than 36,000 students. SDSU offers bachelor’s degrees in 96 areas, master’s degrees in 84 fields and doctorates in 23 areas, with additional certificates and programs at regional microsites. SDSU ranks as the number 1 California State University in federal research support, as one of the top public research universities in California. In addition to academic offerings at SDSU, SDSU Imperial Valley and SDSU Georgia, SDSU Global Campus offers online training, certificates and degrees in areas of study designed to meet the needs of students everywhere. Students participate in transformational research, international experiences, sustainability and entrepreneurship initiatives, internships and mentoring, and a broad range of student life and leadership opportunities. SDSU is committed to inclusive excellence and is known for its efforts in advancing diversity and inclusion. SDSU is nationally recognized for its study abroad initiatives, veterans’ programs and support of LGBTQA+ students, as well as its powerhouse Division I Athletics Program. More than 50% of SDSU’s undergraduate and graduate students are students of color. The university resides on Kumeyaay land and was most recently recognized as an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI). SDSU is also a long-standing Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). The university’s rich campus life and location offers opportunities for students to lead and engage with the creative and performing arts, career and internship opportunities with SDSU’s more than 491,000 living alumni, and the vibrant cultural life of the greater San Diego and U.S.- Mexico region.
ABOUT THE HIGHER EDUCATION RECRUITMENT CONSORTIUM: The Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC) is a nonprofit consortium committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the higher education workforce. With over 700 colleges, universities, hospitals, research labs, government agencies, and related organizations, HERC works to ensure member institutions are sites of belonging, where all faculty and staff can thrive. HERC provides resources, networking, and outreach programs to attract, hire, and retain a diverse and qualified workforce.
CONTACT: Marcia Silva, Higher Education Recruitment Consortium, marcia@hercjobs.org, 650-417-3193
