Brandon Gamble joins the Division of Student Affairs as the inaugural director for the new Office of Black Student Success at Cal State San Bernardino. Gamble brings with him a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to fostering the success and empowerment of Black students in higher education.

"Dr. Gamble's appointment marks a significant milestone for our university," said Paz Olivérez, vice president of Student Affairs. "His extensive background and passion for student success align perfectly with our mission to support the holistic development of our Black student community."

With over two decades of experience in higher education, Gamble has held various leadership roles, including faculty scholar and director at San Diego State University's Black Resource Center. There, he spearheaded initiatives that significantly impacted the academic and holistic development of Black students. Additionally, Gamble played a pivotal role in securing a $1 million endowment for scholarships and career planning, demonstrating his dedication to enhancing student success.

Gamble brings a wealth of higher education experience, having previously held roles at San Diego State University, Cal State Long Beach and Oakwood University.
Gamble brings a wealth of higher education experience, having previously held roles at San Diego State University, Cal State Long Beach and Oakwood University.

Before his tenure at San Diego State University, Gamble served as a professor and the dean of student success at Oakwood University, where he implemented data-driven strategies that led to notable improvements in retention and graduation rates. His leadership extended beyond campus boundaries through collaborations with community partners and outreach efforts aimed at enriching students' college experiences.

Gamble's extensive experience also includes roles as an associate professor at Cal State University, Long Beach and various teaching positions at institutions, such as National University, Chapman University and Loyola Marymount University. Throughout his career, he has been actively involved in service to the profession, serving on numerous committees and providing mentorship to students.

In addition to his professional achievements, Gamble holds a doctorate in educational psychology from the University of Southern California, where his dissertation focused on the social capital networks of institutional agents and the empowerment of African American youth. He also holds a master’s degree in counseling with a school psychology specialization from San Diego State University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Oakwood University.

Alongside his contributions to higher education, Gamble has made significant impacts in K-12 settings as a school psychologist in the Long Beach Unified School District. His expertise in consultation, counseling and program development has positively influenced the lives of countless students and families.

The Office of Black Student Success will provide targeted support services to Black students at CSUSB, which includes advising, peer mentoring, and connecting students with campus resources.
The Office of Black Student Success will provide targeted support services to Black students at CSUSB, which includes advising, peer mentoring, and connecting students with campus resources.

Highlighting the office’s multifaceted approach, Gamble described the targeted support the Office of Black Student Success will provide Black students at CSUSB.

"The Office of Black Student Success will lead, manage programs, events, and provide services in support of Black students’ success, retention and graduation,” said Gamble. “The OBSS has been tasked with student efforts that include, but are not limited to, advising, career connections, peer mentoring, faculty-to-student mentoring and connecting students with campus resources, such as financial aid and academic supports.

He added, “Also, the promotion of well-being and empowerment, as well as cultural enrichment, will be achieved via collaboration with campus partners, such as the Black Faculty, Staff and Student Association, Pan-African Student Success Center, Counseling and Psychological Services, Career Center, college deans and more. Community partners and alumni will also play a vital role in career development and overall thriving of our students as they matriculate through CSUSB."

"With his visionary leadership and dedication to student success, we are confident that Dr. Gamble will play a pivotal role in advancing the Office of Black Student Success and supporting the holistic development of our students," said Olivérez. "We are excited to welcome him to the CSUSB community and look forward to the positive impact he will make."

Visit the Office of Black Student Success website for more information.