Aaron Bruce, Ph.D.

Biography

Dr. Aaron Bruce serves as the Chief Diversity Officer and Vice President at ArtCenter College of Design where he focuses on professional development, intercultural understanding, social justice, and strategies related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. In addition to developing ways of improving campus climate, Dr. Bruce helps strengthen the college’s connection to diverse local and global communities and corporations. His experience in the advertising and marketing affords him with the creative energy to promote diversity and inclusion across multiple platforms.

He is the former President of the Southern California Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (SCADOHE). He is DEI consultant and an International Multicultural Institute certified diversity trainer, who has facilitated numerous professional development seminars in the U.S. and abroad. Dr. Bruce has held management positions in Latin America and Africa. His passion for global understanding has afforded him with opportunities to conduct research on management strategies, public health and education in Cuba, Mexico, and Kenya. Prior to joining ArtCenter Dr. Bruce served as the CDO at San Diego State University for more than a decade. Helped the university earn the ranking of one of the nation top 5 campuses for study abroad. For ten years Dr. Bruce taught a culturally responsive study away course in the Dominican Republic. His strategic efforts helped to significantly close the achievement gap for underrepresented students.

He holds a Bachelor of Art in Economics and Political Science from Michigan State University and earned a certificate in Latin American and Caribbean Studies. He holds a master’s degree in International Business Administration from United States International University. Dr. Bruce completed his Ph.D. in Education from the joint Rhode Island College and University of Rhode Island Doctoral Program in Education. He is the first African American male to hold such a distinction. He has participated in the Global Education “Think Tank” at the Harvard University Graduate School of Education. Originally from Princeton, New Jersey, Dr. Bruce has traveled extensively and is committed to making global education accessible. He volunteers for multiple organizations and boards. He is a lifetime member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He lives by the motto “Awaken the sleep, empower the weak, and guide the strong.”