Episode description

What does it take to transform higher education and create lasting change for underrepresented students? Dr. Keith Curry, President of Compton College and CEO of the Compton Community College District, shares his passion for equity, detailing how initiatives like Black Student Success Week and Senate Bill 1348 are redefining what it means to support Black and underrepresented students across academic and workforce landscapes. With his signature “Unapologetic Leadership,” he challenges educators, policymakers, and community partners to rethink traditional approaches and build systems that not only promote academic achievement but also pave the way for livable, rewarding careers. 

You’ll learn: 

• The importance of establishing a support system for Black and underrepresented students in higher education.

• How bipartisan initiatives like voter registration can help in driving positive change.

• Why it is crucial to establish partnerships between education and industry for providing equitable access to resources and opportunities for all students.

• The role of grant programs in supporting Black-serving institutions and enhancing student success.

• Key objectives of Senate Bill 1348 in transforming institutions to better serve Black students.

About the Guest:

Dr. Keith Curry is the President of Compton College and CEO of the Compton Community College District, overseeing all departments and serving as secretary for the Board of Trustees. Known for his energetic and innovative approach in higher education administration, he has led multiple ACCJC Visiting Teams as Accreditation Team Chair since 2017. In June 2020, he was invited by Governor Newsom’s Senior Policy Advisor for Higher Education to join the California Higher Education Recovery with Equity Task Force.

A champion for equity, Dr. Curry co-founded and chairs Black Student Success Week, and he leads national panels and advisory committees focused on Black student enrollment. He also contributes to the California Alliance for Open Education Steering Committee and the USC Racial Equity in Guided Pathways Commission Taskforce. Since 2021, he has served as a Distinguished Research Fellow/Adjunct Faculty at CSU Los Angeles Charter College of Education. Dr. Curry earned his doctorate in educational leadership from UC Irvine and his bachelor’s degree in American studies from UC Santa Cruz.

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More from Dr. Keith Curry & Compton College

Websites: https://iamkeithcurry.org/

https://www.compton.edu/index.aspx

LinkedIn:@keith-curry

X/Twitter, Instagram: @IamKeithCurry

Facebook: @comptonedu

X/Twitter & Instagram: @compton_college 

Partner with us! Contact our host Salvatrice Cummo directly: scummo@pasadena.edu

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Find the transcript of this episode here

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