UIC Black Cultural Center names new associate director
The UIC Black Cultural Center (BCC) welcomed Gaylen Rivers (she/her) as their new associate director.
Rivers is a Chicago native with a strong background in creating engaging programs that support Black student belonging. Before arriving at UIC in late 2023, Rivers held the position of assistant director of programming at Northern Illinois University’s (NIU) Center for Black Studies. There she developed and coordinated the center’s signature programs, designed leadership opportunities for students and created programs that built community among students, faculty and staff. She received her Master of Science in Education in Higher Education and Student Affairs from NIU.
At the BCC, Rivers will be responsible for deepening the center’s relationship with Black student organizations, spearheading the BCC internship programs, expanding the center’s community partnerships and helping to develop innovative programs. The BCC is delighted to have Rivers on board and can attest to the impact that her creativity, energy and passion for Black student success has already had on their work.