Meet the Dean

Garrett Naiman started as dean of students and associate vice chancellor for student development and engagement on September 4, 2018. 

Garrett is a university administrator and educator deeply committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice. He is energized by building community amongst students, staff, faculty and off campus partners, and drawn to settings that enable him to support students in their learning and development while shaping campus vision, values and strategic goals.

As associate vice chancellor and dean of students at UC Santa Cruz, Garrett and his team play a leading role in creating and maintaining a healthy, inclusive, and responsive campus environment through services, programs, and innovative co-curricular activities that encourage a sense of community among students, faculty, and staff. The associate vice chancellor and dean of students takes a leadership role in engaging with students, campus leadership, and other members of the campus community. The Dean of Students Office is part of UC Santa Cruz’s Division of Student Affairs and Success.

Prior to coming to UC Santa Cruz, Garrett served as the executive director and chief of staff of UC Berkeley’s Center for Educational Partnerships, promoting equity and inclusion on campus. He supported 11 campus programs that assist college-bound first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students. Before taking that job, he worked for the Office of Admissions at UC Santa Barbara and in the Early Academic Outreach Program at UC Berkeley.

Garrett has been interested in working for educational equity and access ever since he was an undergraduate at UC Santa Barbara.  He graduated from UCSB in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in cultural anthropology and religious studies. He reflects: “That’s what got me interested in working in higher education.”  Garrett went on to earn an M.Ed. in higher education and student affairs administration from the University of Vermont. He also holds a doctoral degree in international and multicultural education from the University of San Francisco.

Garrett may be contacted at deanofstudents@ucsc.edu.