Our Staff
African Student Programs knows first-hand the support our Black scholars need. Each of us emphasizes the Black Highlander experience with the mission of getting Black scholars on campus, keeping them here, and crossing the graduation stage! Our doors are always open, so if you need anything don't hesitate to stop by African Student Programs.
Dr. Jamal J. Myrick
Director
(Pronouns: he, him, and his)
Phone: (951) 827-7540
Email: jamal.myrick@ucr.edu
Dr. Jamal J. Myrick's journey is a result of trusting the Most High and the universe's timing. Hailing from Jacksonville, Florida by way of New Brunswick, New Jersey — Dr. J acknowledges the investment that Black women and his community poured into him over the years and strives to break barriers in all aspects of his life. Dr. J looks to lead ASP with Radical Black Love to uplift his team and community through authentic relationship building and advocacy. The love he has for the Black Scholars at UCR ignited when he first came to campus six years ago and still runs deep. In his spare time, Dr. J loves to spend time with his wife, reading with his book club that centers on Black authors, travel with his friends, and serve his community via his fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Dr. J is a firm believer that he couldn't write a better story even if he wanted to and knows that it's nothing but God.
Aurea V. L. Thomas, MBA
Inaugural Assistant Director
(Pronouns: She, her, and hers)
Phone: (951) 827-0794
Email: aurea.lawson@ucr.edu
Aurea Thomas prides herself on respect and resilience. Ms. Aurea moved to Southern California from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma with a determination of continually impacting others through inspirational moments. She is passionate about keeping scholars on track to reach their goals and establish their career plans. Ms. Aurea is an advocate for mental health and work-life integration and is a believer in teamwork making the dream work! Ms. Aurea's devotion to our scholars of the Black and African Diaspora sparked in 2023 when ASP welcomed her into this position. Ms. Aurea's hobbies and free time include hanging with Dude (her Hubby!), being a public servant as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, listening to music, enjoying good weather, reading, and socializing with friends!
Sharee Hughes
Program Coordinator
(Pronouns: she, her, and hers)
Phone: (951) 827-4622
Email: sharee.hughes@ucr.edu
Sharee Hughes earned her bachelor's in psychology from the University of California, Riverside, in 2015. As a student at UC Riverside, Sharee was a student activist for the student-parent population on campus, serving as the Student Parent Action Committee Chair and Vice President of the student organization R'Kids. Sharee's program coordinating career started as the Student-Parent Program Assistant working under the guidance of Romanie Arterberry of UC Riverside's Women's Resource Center. She made the shift from developing programming for student-parents to developing and implementing programming for the Black students on campus directly following graduation. During her five years of serving African Student Programs, Sharee has been instrumental in carrying on the traditions of historically significant ASP events and programs as well as developing innovative ways to connect with students. She invests in the constant mission of strengthening the Black student life experience while facilitating academic achievement and retention among African diaspora students. Sharee is also a strong advocate for mental health awareness and holistic wellness. She is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University. Aside from work and school, Sharee enjoys spending her free time with her son and vacationing in tropical climates.
Victor Moreira
Black Student Success Coordinator
(Pronouns: he, him, and his)
Email: victor.moreira@ucr.edu
Greetings! My name is Victor Moreira, and I was born and raised in Southern California. I’m more than overjoyed to serve as the inaugural Black Student Success Coordinator for UCR. Prior to taking on this position at the start of 2023, I served as a senior academic advisor for close to a decade beginning in CNAS and then in CHASS. My time as an academic advisor has afforded me the opportunity to work closely with advisors from the other colleges and schools. I’m also a proud alumnus of UCR – Class of 2007! The experience I enjoyed as an undergrad at UCR had a significant impact on the person I am today socially, academically, and professionally. I’m unapologetically passionate about supporting UCR students especially with students from the Black Diaspora. My goal is to help them also enjoy their own unique transformational experience.
Stephanie Cervin
Program, Personnel, & Budget Assistant
(Pronouns: she, her, and hers)
Phone: (951) 827-5751
Email: stephanie.cervin@ucr.edu
Stephanie’s path leading UCR ASP has been paved by a long standing passion toward working with community youth hoping to pour into our young minds full circle rising up from her own at risk journey. Being introduced to campus life through the University Eastside Community Collaborative project, Stephanie was fortunate enough to be partnered with UCR’s Environmental Toxicology department as an at risk student aid while still attending high school during which time she found herself as part of the first cohort of Americorps Members to UCR’s community in 1996, later accepting an award on behalf of her and UCR Americorps achievements from Mayor Ronald Loveridge. Finding a welcoming community and opportunities for professional growth Stephanie continued to support the Environmental Toxicology Dept as a RCC college student. After a summer of support and seeking fulltime employment Stephanie was able to secure a career position initially as administrative assistant leading to a Student Affairs Officer of the UCOP-Bourns College of Engineering’s, MESA program, while simultaneously continuing her education and securing a Bachelor’s of Science, in Business Management from University of Phoenix’s online-hybrid program. Stephanie takes pride in her 17 years of service to the UCR MESA program who’s vast reach has encompassed support of educators, educational paths for underserved k-12 populations, and exposure to STEM enrichment for youth throughout the High Desert and Riverside Counties. Today Stephanie considers herself fortunate to be part of the excellent work and efforts of UCR’s Black, African, and SWANA communities to lift, enlighten, and encourage all UCR scholars our centers serve.