Empowering excellence: Office of Black Student Success breaks barriers and expands support at CSUSB
At Cal State San Bernardino, the Office of Black Student Success (OBSS) is more than just a department — it's a powerful movement rooted in years of collaboration among students, faculty, administrators and staff. Serving as a hub for support, mentorship and community, OBSS is dedicated to empowering Black students as they navigate their academic journeys at CSUSB. The office’s mission is clear: to help Black students achieve academic success while fostering a sense of belonging, cultural affirmation and personal empowerment.
The creation of OBSS was in response to the evolving needs of Black students on campus. Prior to its establishment, the Pan African Collegiate Scholars and Black Scholars Programs played a pivotal role in supporting Black students. In 2024, OBSS expanded into a comprehensive office, offering a broader range of services and resources to better serve the university.
But the impact of this movement goes beyond CSUSB. Across the California State University (CSU) system, efforts are being made to advance Black student success and celebrate Black excellence. With the unwavering support of university leadership, campus-wide partnerships, and community collaborations, Cal State San Bernardino leads the way in this transformative initiative.
Mentorship as a Cornerstone
One of the office’s key initiatives is peer mentoring. OBSS has hired over 12 student mentors to provide direct support to incoming and transfer students, offering guidance on navigating campus life at CSUSB. Through personalized mentoring, the Office of Black Student Success ensures students have someone who can guide them through the university's processes and resources.
OBSS is expanding its reach through a layered mentoring model, training faculty and staff to mentor OBSS peer mentors, creating a network of support across the university. Additionally, the office has partnered with the Black Faculty, Staff and Student Association, which is mentoring National Black Grads’ scholarship recipients at CSUSB.
"Knowing someone who has gone through the same issues you have gone through as a student is an important part of connection to the campus and persisting when times get tough. The relationships help."
Brandon Gamble
Director of the Office of Black Student Success
Fostering Community and Connection
OBSS collaborates closely with various academic departments and campus organizations, such as the Pan-African Student Success Center, to ensure students have access to the resources they need.
“The fun thing about this office is that we collaborate with just about everybody here on campus,” said Brandon Gamble, director of the Office of Black Student Success. “We are helping Black students, and to some degree, we are supporting faculty and staff, as well.”
Across all five academic colleges, OBSS works tirelessly to ensure that Black students are represented and supported within academic spaces.
But it’s not all about academics. OBSS is deeply involved in creating community and hosting events to ensure that Black students feel welcomed and connected. Community and campus partnerships have led to educational, informative and lively programs to help students get the most out of their college experience.
More than just a Resource
The Office of Black Student Success fosters a sense of belonging and community for Black students at CSUSB. Led by Gamble and his team of staff, paraprofessionals and peer mentors, OBSS provides a safe space for students to connect, share experiences, and find resources that address their unique needs.
Building on this mission, OBSS sent eight students to the annual Afrikan Black Coalition (ABC) conference, held Jan. 17-20 at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Each year, over 800 Afrikan/Black students from CSUs and UCs across California attend the event, which has become a forum to address social and political issues through workshops, keynote speakers and social activities.
"For OBSS, sending students to the Afrikan Black Coalition conference embedded them within a CSU movement to promote achievement, networking and leadership."
Brandon Gamble
Director of the Office of Black Student Success
For CSUSB student Vanehya Jenkins, the conference was an experience of a lifetime that had a lasting impact. Jenkins, a senior business administration major, was one of six Black Student Union (BSU) officers chosen to represent CSUSB at the event.
The conference was an opportunity for Jenkins to broaden her horizons, connect with peers, and gain valuable insights on increasing student engagement at Cal State San Bernardino.
For Jenkins, conferences like ABC are essential, especially for students from colleges with a smaller Black population, because they provide a supportive environment where students can feel seen, understood and form bonds with others from similar backgrounds.
“You get to have at least a weekend or a day where it doesn’t feel like you’re the minority of the campus. You appreciate that,” she said. “I definitely believe other students will benefit from going to ABC.”
The Office of Black Student Success stands as a powerful testament to the university’s commitment to empowering Black students and fostering a strong sense of community. Through innovative initiatives like peer mentoring and layered support systems, OBSS is not only ensuring academic success but also providing the emotional and social resources that students need to thrive.
Cal State San Bernardino, set at the foothills of the beautiful San Bernardino Mountains, is a vibrant hub of education and culture in Inland Southern California. The university offers more than 70 traditional baccalaureate and master’s degree programs, education credential and certificate programs, and a doctoral program, all housed within five academic colleges and the Palm Desert Campus.
Not only is a degree from CSUSB affordable and attainable, it is also a pathway to a brighter future. Ranked No. 3 nationally for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, CSUSB helps students rise to great opportunities, securing high-paying jobs while keeping costs low.
The university is consistently recognized for its academic excellence, affordability and commitment to empowering students and communities to achieve their fullest potential.
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