The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Student Center was established over 25 years ago in 1991 on the University of Arizona campus. The goals of this space are:
- Building community among currently enrolled students
- Providing personal and leadership development opportunities
- Advancing the on-going development of a culturally competent campus community
- Supporting diversity initiatives at the University of Arizona
The center is located near the Student Union Memorial Center at the University of Arizona. It is also adjacent to Greek Row and the Hillel Center which is another cultural building on campus. The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Student Center is located directly 1322 E 1 St Tucson, AZ 85721. The center is directly managed by Sarah Swanson who is the program coordinator of the human resources financial team, she can be contacted at (520) 626-5918.
The center was originally home to Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, until it was renamed the Martin Luther King Jr. Building after students protested for more resources for diversity on the University of Arizona campus, particularly for African Americans. The center's main goal is to provide a comfortable and dynamic space for students, and advancing diversity at the University of Arizona.
Also known for its nickname "The MLK center" which is home to over 10 " Black" clubs and 7 out of the Divine 9 sorority/fraternity organizations.
Click the link to find out more about the 7/9 Greek organizations that call The MLK Center home. Those organizations are:
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.
The center offers community and a home away from home for the 10 clubs that use this center as a meeting location. Those clubs are:
African Americans in the Life Sciences (ALAS)
African Student Association (ASA)
Black Graduate Student Association (BGSA)
Black Retail Action Group (BRAG)
Black Student Union (BSU)
Coalition of Black Organizations
Elgie M. Batteau Honor Society (EMBHS)
Eller African American Honorary (EAAH)
National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
University of Arizona Black Alumni (UABA)
All of these clubs and organizations have a common interest of promoting Black excellence on the University of Arizona campus and helping unite diverse students. However, each club/organization has a specific purpose, the clubs are just as diverse as the students and provide unity.
To find out more about each clubs specifically -> http://aasa.arizona.edu/clubs-organizations
The MLK center has undergone interior renovations since last spring, which has made the center even more inviting to new students. The center added more space, a brand new kitchen, huge flat screen TVs, new furniture, and other upgrades. The improvements were demanded by supporters and students of African American Student Affairs (AASA), to the university who supported and funded the renovations . The students and faculty are hoping to demand more upgrades in the future and hoping to make the center for culture groups only.
AASA is the primary voice for the center, B.L.A.C.K. or Building Leaders and Creating Knowledge is the theme AASA promotes when providing an exceptional student experience. B.L.A.C.K offers students a comfortable community to discuss similar interest, cultural issues or topics, and helps to promote leadership and identity on campus.
This community is educational and social providing connections, support, and fun all in one building. On the lower level of the center clubs and organizations can rent the room to have meetings, panels, and practice for events such as fashion shows. The center provides a space for dialogue and getting involved on and outside of campus.
The MLK Center provides an amazing cultural leadership experience for students that want to get involved. The center houses many organizations and clubs so every student can find their niche. Student can comfortably hang out at the center, eat lunch/dinner, do homework or study, socialize with friends and catch up on some sleep.
This center played a huge role in promoting and supporting AASA member and MLK Center participant Kiana Adams in being crowned as Homecoming Queen 2017-2018. Adams is a member of Delta Sigma Theta one of the 7 greek organizations that use the MLK center as a meeting location. The center ran and promoted events for the community to get to know winner and encouraged students to vote for her.
Participants in this community share a common interest in high academic achievements, learning about the history of of people of African descent and desire to develop leadership skills and voice their opinions. Students who are active within this community can connect with mentors and advisors, gain course credit through AASA internship program, build relationships and connections with local and campus community leaders.
The MLK Center isn't only home to cultural groups, but also houses University Information Technology Services (UITS). Who also reaped the benefits of the interior renovations, gaining a larger room themselves. UITS is the universities 24/7 technology department who assist students and faculty in fixing their computers, internet and any technology related issues.
The building is more than just surface level! Its actually a three story building, which is home to UITS' partner Office of Computing Resources (OSCR) on the upper level. This is another technology based group that helps the university's open access computer labs, technology help desk and multimedia resources that students and faculty can all use. For more information on OSCR.
Not only is this center home to cultural groups and technology assistance, but the university also allows several other departments to rent office space in the upper level of the building. Some of the departments that hold offices in The MLK Center are: Center for University Education Scholarship, Office of the Registrar, Graduation Services Advisor and Adjunct Instructors for Spanish.
The MLK Center is welcoming to all aspects of the university that help keep the campus alive and thriving. Not to mention the center offers an amazing view of the University of Arizona campus and Greek row. Its the perfect place for students and faculty to go when wanting to clear their head after a long day at school or work.
The MLK center is home to several important groups that help influence diversity on the University of Arizona campus. No matter if thats from joining a social club based on ethnic background, assisting students and staff with technology issues, graduation information, or simply meeting with a Spanish instructor.
This Martin Luther King Jr. Student Center is home to the numerous voices on campus and within the community that help to keep the university running. This center allows students to find comfort, assistance and unity in one building.
Helpful links:
https://aasa.arizona.edu
https://it.arizona.edu/service/247-it-support
