Get to Know Roderick Figgs
Roderick Figgs is the Director of Cal-SOAP (California Student Opportunity and Access Program). He worked at the University of California, Riverside, for nine years before joining the Coyote family in 2015. Roderick has worked in Pre-College Programs his entire higher education career for 17 years.
Roderick has held a variety of roles in Pre-College Programs at CSUSB, including Curriculum Coach and Assistant Director for GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs). He also served as Associate Director of Cal-SOAP before taking on his new role as Director in July.
“I love occupying that space where I could work with college students, do events, and do things on campus that impact the campus but also impact the community at large,” said Roderick.
Working in education runs in Roderick’s family. His mother was an educator in Oakland public schools for 44 years before retiring, and his brother is also an educator in Oakland.
“I don't think we planned it like that, but I think maybe my mom just passed it down,” said Roderick.
According to Roderick, his job is to make sure students know what they are doing and have a plan of action for life after high school.
“I tell students all the time,” said Roderick. “Think about your graduation date. Think about the day after. Our job is to make sure that you know what you're doing on that day.”
Added Roderick, “I inspire those that need to be inspired, guide those that need to be guided, and encourage those that are actually on the right path.”
Cal-SOAP is a college access and readiness program that improves the flow of information about postsecondary education and financial aid while raising the achievement levels. The program serves students in the Inland Empire but focuses on 7th-12th grade, first-generation, college-bound, and low-income students.
In his role, Roderick builds partnerships with schools and districts, implements programs, and he makes it a point to try new and different things. He supervises his staff and ensures they are meeting their goals, oversees the budget, attends meetings, and reviews data and policies.
Working in Pre-College Programs has allowed Roderick to work with different populations, such as students who may or may not go directly to a four-year university and their families. He enjoys working with the community, students, and parents.
“The very best part of my job is knowing that every single day I have an opportunity to truly, and not just on paper, but affect the lives of so many every single day,” said Roderick. “I think that's the best thing, knowing that the work is actually meaningful, and you can see it."