Today we’d like to introduce you to Ricky Shabazz.
Hi Ricky , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My mom had me as a teenage parent in Pasadena Ca. My father was in the Marines in Oceanside. I was the first person in my family to attend college. I attended UC Davis where I was a student leader on campus. I was very lucky to be hired straight out of college as the assistant director of admissions at UC Davis, where I worked for nearly 6 years. I wrote for my college newspaper, the Cal Aggie, and I helped to recruit high school students to attend UC Davis. I had a lot of great mentors and teachers who poured love and mentorship into my development. When I worked in the admissions office after college, I was in charge of college admissions for Southern California. I had a chance to visit many high schools and community colleges. It was during this time, when I realized that I wanted to work in a community college because of the diversity of the students. Who would have thought that I would go on nearly 20 years later to become the president of a community college.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road of life is never smooth. I am a first generation college student. I had to learn a lot about college and professionalism from teachers and mentors. I made a lot of mistake along the way. This is part of the learning process. I can remember a story of my first year as a vice president of students. I went into the role with a lot of arrogance that rubbed people the wrong way. No one liked me. It was depressing. I read a book called Executive Transitions in Student Services. This book helped me to grow professionally to the point where I had to apologize to a lot of my team for my approaches. Most forgave me and I was able to flourish and continue to grow as a leader. We all make mistakes. I learned that leaders have to treat people with the same respect and support that we desire. I learned that the person who cleans the offices and answers the phones are as important as the people with the fancy titles. I learned how to be a servant leader.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in helping first generation college students access the middle class and beyond. I design programs and learning communities that help cohorts of students complete their educational and career goals. I tell people that I went to college and I never left. I love my job. Each year we get to support a group of students break the cycle of poverty via educational equity and social justice. I am known for all my students knowing my story as a first generation college student myself. I really get to know my students. I’ve taken groups of students to Africa, to Europe, and across the country. I love supporting students traveling aboard by getting their first passport or visa. I’m known for showing students that they can be their authentic self and a scholar. This sets me apart from other college presidents. I come to work every day in Air Jordans and a hip hop style of dress that shows the students that I am a normal person who has/had the same aspirations as they do. I am known for leading with love. We have music. We have swag. We have our student’s best interest at the heart of our decisions. I am known for telling and showing students that They Belong Here at City College. I am absolutely most proud of being approachable as a college president that can say that my students actually know who I am. I visit their classes. I email them. I call them. One of my favorite things to do is to give students books with $100 inside. I never liked readying when I was growing up. I know make it a point to give students money because I know what it is like to want to quit. I hear from students that the $100 made the difference in allowing them to eat or buy their books that week. I love my job.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I love talking to people about my life story. I lead via stories. I mentor people by using my professional and person real life stories. I am blessed to have helped thousands if first generation students graduate from college. The mentor piece is important to teach people about my mistakes and learning. I give out a lot of books as a way to help people learn. I am a product of great teaching and even better mentorship. I suggest mentor programs that are connected to professional organizations. Most people refer to this as networking. Networking and surrounding yourself with positive people is so important to going through life with others who are also trying to figure things out. Reading and researching is important. Joining professional organizations is important. Listening is important.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sdcity.edu/about/leadership/president.aspx
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_rickyshabazz/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricky-shabazz-edd-084744132/
Image Credits
Credit San Diego City College
