Dear AAP Community of Scholars,

I am writing to share that after serving as interim Associate Vice Provost of Student Diversity and Director of the UCLA Academic Advancement Program (AAP), I am honored to step into these roles in a permanent capacity.  

As a double Bruin, AAP shaped my own experience as a student by providing support and a sense of belonging that allowed me to thrive at UCLA. Those experiences have guided more than 20 years of my work in service of educationally underrepresented students, and they continue to shape my vision for AAP today. 

Before stepping into this role, I oversaw AAP’s pre-college and summer programs, including the Vice Provost’s Initiative for Pre-College Scholars (VIPS) and the Freshman and Transfer Summer Programs (FTSP). During my 18 years with VIPS, we supported more than 600 students with a 51% acceptance rate and an 89% graduation rate. Over the past 11 years, FTSP has helped more than 4,000 students transition into the academic rigor of UCLA. 

I am stepping into this role during a challenging time for higher education, where institutions are facing increased scrutiny and we must think boldly about how we support students. AAP has always centered student voices, and we will continue to do so. Please join us in a welcome celebration with AAP staff and scholars on Friday, February 6 from 12pm-1pm in 1224 Campbell Hall during our AAP Administration Community Hour. 

I look forward to continuing this work alongside AAP staff and campus partners to ensure our community provides the resources, care, and opportunities students need to thrive. 

Sincerely,

Jonli Tunstall, Ph.D.
Associate Vice-Provost for Student Diversity
Director, Academic Advancement Program (AAP)