Staff

Aaron BruceAaron Bruce, Director of the Unity Center, born and raised in Princeton, New Jersey, holds an International MBA from United States International University and a B.A. in Economics and Political Science from Michigan State University. Mr. Bruce has held management positions in Both Latin America and Africa. He has conducted research on management and education in Cuba, Mexico and Kenya. Presently, Mr. Bruce serves as the Director of the Unity Center at Rhode Island College where he focuses on campus-wide multicultural understanding and issues related to diversity and student retention. Mr. Bruce is an advocate for the utilization of technology in overseas study. He is also interested in research related to the use of overseas study as a retention tool. Mr. Bruce is also a Doctoral candidate in the URI-RIC joint Ph.D. program in Education.

Professional Summary

  • Higher education administrative experience in the U.S. and abroad
  • A managerial and organizational familiarity with “the unique business of education”
  • A strong international understanding of issues related to counseling, retention and first year student development
  • Over 15 years of practice in advertising and marketing multicultural programs

Education

United States International University
San Diego, California – Mexico City, Mexico – Nairobi, Kenya
MASTER OF INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (M.I.B.A.), June 1997
Specializations: Transnational Strategic Management and International Marketing

Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN SOCIAL SCIENCE, May 1994
Majors: International Studies, Economics and Political Science
Certification: Latin American & Caribbean Studies

Certified Multicultural/ Diversity Trainer
National Multicultural Institute (NMCI) Washington D.C.

LANGUAGE SKILLS- Fluent Spanish, Elementary Portuguese and Kiswahili

Research Abroad

Management Strategies in Developing Nations Kenya - Uganda and Tanzania

Latin American Business - Mexico City, Mexico

Socio-economic Diversity of Mexico - "The Hands of Mexico", Mexico City, Mexico
Produced, edited and directed a televised film documentary ("Manos de Mexico").

Public Health and Education of Cuba - Havana, Cuba
United States International Student Association (USSA)
Interviewed prominent officials, including the Cuban Minister of Higher Education.

North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) - Guadalajara, Mexico University of Arizona
Wrote several articles on the impact of the primary stages NAFTA on U.S. Agricultural Industry

Current Position

Rhode Island College, The Unity Center/ Multicultural Affairs - Providence, RI
Director — January 2004 – Present

  • Monitoring and evaluating campus climate, while improving overall institution retention rates.
  • Assessing academic and social barriers existing in the college, which may hinder the underrepresented students’ success.
  • Collaborating with students, faculty and staff in creation of multicultural events, seminars and workshops
  • Providing student advocacy, on issues related to racism, sexism and discrimination
  • Serving on several campus-wide committees addressing issues related to diversity, retention, harassment and gender incidents.
  • Advising students on academic, personal, career, and social areas in college life
  • Developing academic materials and multicultural resources,
  • Cultivating relationships with community leaders, corporations and families to support campus community relations.
  • Coordinating national cultural celebrations, diversity workshops, newsletters and website design

Positions Held

Middlesex County College, Division of Student Development
Office of Minority Student Affairs — Edison, NJ
Retention Specialist and Project Success Coordinator

Seton Hall University — South Orange, NJ
Assistant Director of International Admission

International Communications for Management Group, Inc. (ICM) — New York, NY
Manager, International Marketing & Sponsorship

Majani International — Nairobi, Kenya (East Africa)
Manager, International Marketing

United States International University USIU/Alliant — Mexico City, Mexico
Assistant Manager for University Advancement

Rider University, Student Supportive Services Program — Lawrenceville, NJ
Resource Development Associate

Fairleigh Dickinson University — Teaneck, New Jersey
Assistant Manager / Advertising Designer, Campus Publicity

Michigan State University
Department of Residence Life & Office of Minority Student Affairs
Resident Assistant/ Minority Aid

Associated Students for Michigan State University (ASMSU)
Director of Public Relations

Affiliations and Organizations

  • New England Resource Center for Higher Education – Multicultural Think Tank (NERCHE)
  • The Society Organized Against Racism in New England Higher Education (SOAR)
  • Certified Multicultural/ Diversity Trainer - National Multicultural Institute (NMCI) Washington D.C.
  • New Jersey Statewide Historically Black College & University (HBCU) Fair Committee
  • The Tri State Consortium of Opportunity Programs – NJ, PA, NY
  • National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA)
  • National Association of International Educators (NAFSA)
  • New York Black MBA Association,
  • National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACAC)
  • New Jersey Substitute Teaching Certificate
  • Hispanic Association of Higher Education (HAHE)
  • ASPIRA