Dr. Charles Alexander is shown with Kiet Lam, president of the AAP alumni network.Courtesy of Dr. Charles Alexander
Established 53 years ago and built on principles of social justice, AAP’s mission is to create and administer innovative academic programs for students historically underrepresented in higher education. These students are provided academic supports that include counseling, scholarships, and opportunities to participate in innovative science programs.
“Dr. Alexander is very accessible, very approachable for students,” says Dr. Claudia Salcedo, who adds that administrators can sometimes be perceived as separate from the students they serve. Salcedo is the director of the Center for Community College Partnerships at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
Prior to starting this position in April 2024, Salcedo spent two years as assistant director for administration of the Academic Advancement Program working with Alexander, who has directed AAP for over a decade. During that time, she saw his hands-on approach with staff and students.
“If you bring a concern to him, he will try to find a resource,” says Salcedo. “If the university is not providing the resource, he will make a connection.”
In addition to directing the AAP, Alexander is associate vice provost for student diversity. He describes his current work as “being a thought leader, resource person and a fundraiser, a person looking at innovative ways to implement some of our programs and activities that we provide for students at UCLA.”
