A Great Light: The Office of African-American Affairs, 2006–2015

A Great Light* examines the Office of African-American Affairs’ fourth decade at the University of Virginia, highlighting its sustained leadership, institutional contributions, and enduring commitment to African-American student success during a period of national and campus transformation. Authored by Professor Ervin L. Jordan Jr. for the OAAA’s fortieth anniversary, the overview builds upon earlier histories to document the Office’s expanding role as an academic, cultural, and intellectual anchor within the University (Jordan, 2015).

From 2006 to 2015, the OAAA reaffirmed academic achievement as its central mission while strengthening recruitment, retention, mentoring, and graduation outcomes for African-American students. The Office advanced structured academic advising, peer mentoring, and graduate preparation initiatives, while integrating wellness, mental health support, and leadership development into its programming. These efforts contributed to African-American graduation rates that ranked among the highest at major public universities during this period (Jordan, 2015).

The OAAA also demonstrated a sustained commitment to institutional accountability and historical truth. Through publications, anniversary programming, and public education initiatives, the Office preserved and shared the University’s racial history while fostering campus-wide dialogue on equity, inclusion, and belonging. Signature traditions—including Black History Month observances, Martin Luther King Jr. commemorations, and recognition ceremonies honoring student excellence—reinforced cultural affirmation alongside academic rigor (Jordan, 2015).

During moments of crisis and heightened national attention to racial injustice, the OAAA served as a stabilizing and moral presence, advocating for student safety, dignity, and fair treatment while promoting constructive dialogue. The Office supported faculty and student leadership, contributed to University task forces and commissions, and played a key role in shaping policies and practices related to diversity and student success (Jordan, 2015).

*A Great Light* ultimately affirms the Office of African-American Affairs as an indispensable cornerstone of the University of Virginia—one defined by service, scholarship, and sustained commitment. The essay concludes that the OAAA’s legacy is not only measured by progress achieved, but by its enduring responsibility to guide, challenge, and support the University as it moves forward (Jordan, 2015).

Jordan, E. L., Jr. (2015). *A Great Light: The Office of African-American Affairs at the University of Virginia, 2006–2015.* Fortieth anniversary overview, Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library, University of Virginia.