Welcome to the Office of Student Services
Programs and Services
The Office of Student Services is responsible for a variety of programs and services across the Taft College campus, including:
- Academic Advisory Services
- Admissions and Records
- Associated Student Organization (ASO)
- Athletics
- CalWorks Work Study
- Campus Clubs
- Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE)
- Cougar Support Center
- Counseling
- Career Technical Education (CTE) Counseling
- Disables Student Programs and Services (DSPS)
- Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS)
- Financial Aid
- Outreach Coordination
- Residence Halls
- Student Life and Basic Needs
- Student Services
- Transition to Independent Living (TIL) Program
Dr. Rashitta Brown-Elize, Interim Vice President of Student Services
Dr. Rashitta Brown-Elize was named Interim Vice President of Student Services at Taft College in 2025. Her previous service at Taft College includes Higher Education Leader, Student Success Advocate, and Equity and Inclusion Champion. She is a dedicated higher education leader with more than 22 years of experience in leadership, program development, and institutional transformation.
A low-income, first-generation college graduate, Dr. Brown-Elize understands firsthand the transformative power of education. Her passion for higher education is deeply rooted in her own journey — struggling in her first year, then returning with the support of mentors to not only graduate but earn a doctorate. She is devoted to paying that guidance forward in her work every day. Passionate about student success, equity, and inclusion, Dr. Brown-Elize has worked extensively to improve access, retention, and outcomes for historically underserved students.
Prior to joining Taft College, she was Dean of Counseling and Matriculation at Antelope Valley College (AVC) and California State University, Northridge. At AVC, she oversaw key student support programs, including Counseling Services, Career and Transfer Centers, Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS), the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD), CalWORKs, and TRiO STAR. Dr. Brown-Elize focused on strategic leadership to enhance student engagement, streamline counseling services, and promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility across campus. She served as the Campus Conduct Officer, overseeing student conduct processes through restorative justice practices and student-centered interventions. Her expertise in student affairs extends to previous roles as Director of EOPS, Coordinator/Advisor of TRIO Student Support Services, and Project Specialist at the University of Southern California’s Center for Urban Education, where she facilitated equity-driven initiatives across multiple institutions. An enthusiastic educator, Dr. Brown-Elize also served as faculty at California State University, Northridge, teaching graduate courses in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, as well as in the Educational Opportunity Program’s (EOP) Residential and Commuter Bridge Programs.
Dr. Brown-Elize holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership (Higher Education) from the University of Southern California, a Master of Arts in Educational Administration, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from California State University, Northridge. Her research, Increasing Equity for Students of Color Through Practitioner Accountability, reflects her commitment to fostering inclusive learning environments. She actively engages in professional organizations and initiatives to strengthen student services, academic counseling, and institutional equity.
Dr. Brown-Elize remains committed to shaping policies and practices that empower students, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, to achieve academic and career success. While dedicated to student advocacy, she also champions self-care and wellness as essential for higher education professionals to sustain their ability to effectively serve students.
Contact Information
Dr. Rashitta Brown-Elize, Interim Vice President of Student Services
Phone: 661-763-7810
Cecilia Alvarado, Dean of Student Services
E-mail: calvarado@taftcollege
Phone: 661-763-7815
Melissa Blanco, Administrative Assistant to the Vice President, Student Services
E-mail: mblanco@taftcollege.edu
Phone: 661-763-7854
Office Location: Administration/Student Services Building