I’m honored to serve as the Associate Director of the Center for African Diaspora Student Success. I’m a proud first-generation college graduate of the University of California! As an undergraduate, I attended UC San Diego, where I studied and graduated with a bachelor's of arts in Ethnic Studies and a minor in Biology.  I enjoyed the many jobs I had as a student and decided to work with college students right after college … and that turned into a career. I worked at UC San Diego supporting students at Thurgood Marshall College and later our Summer Bridge program. I earned my master’s degree from the Community-Based Block Program in multicultural counseling and social justice education from San Diego State University.

Alongside all the student and professional staff at CADSS, my role is to make sure that all students of the African Diaspora have the tools and resources they need to be their best selves at UC Davis and to graduate with a degree. Please let me know how I can partner with you. As a staff, my goal is to help you feel understood, connected, and supported, and to make the institution accessible to support your academic and co-curricular endeavors. In my free time, I enjoy cooking and baking, reading, playing board games, and connecting with friends and loved ones.

I am a multifaceted professional whose work spans music, behavioral health, financial services, and community wellness. As a Memphis-born harmonica player and looping artist, I have redefined modern blues by incorporating beatboxing and looping techniques. My debut album, Memphis Grooves, topped blues charts, and I have had the honor of sharing the stage with legends like Stevie Wonder and John Mayer. Beyond music, my journey has been shaped by a commitment to advocacy, mentorship, and building bridges across different fields.

As a proud graduate of Fisk University, a historically Black institution known for cultivating leadership and excellence, I bring a deep understanding of the challenges and strengths within communities of the African diaspora. I focus on empowerment—whether through behavioral support or economic guidance—values that align with the mission of the Center for African Diaspora Student Success.

My ability to bridge worlds—music, financial leadership, health initiatives, and student support—enables me to contribute meaningfully to spaces that uplift and empower. At CADSS, I am committed to ensuring students feel seen, supported, and equipped with the tools they need to succeed academically, personally, and professionally.

Karen R. Collins is a passionate advocate for student success, equity, and community building. She is dedicated to creating inclusive spaces where students feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive academically and personally.  She believes deeply in the power of education to transform lives and is committed to making sure students—especially those from historically underrepresented backgrounds—have the tools, support, and networks they need to succeed. 

With years of experience in higher education, Karen has worked at institutions like the University of the Pacific, the University of Wisconsin, and Marquette University, leading initiatives focused on student retention and persistence, leadership development, and institutional change. As the Director of Strategic African American Retention Initiatives and CADSS she is committed to advancing pathways for African Diaspora students to thrive at UC Davis and beyond. 

Karen is a proud Bay Area native whose journey in higher education began at Laney College and Chabot College. After obtaining an A.A. in Liberal Studies, she transferred to UC Berkeley, where she earned her B.A. in Social Welfare and African American Studies, followed by an M.A. in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.  

When she is not working to support students, you can find her engaging in community initiatives or simply enjoying time with family and friends. 

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I meet each person where they are at. I work to encourage and empower individuals to visualize and work towards the fulfillment of their lives. I use evidence-based approaches that fit with the individual instead of sticking with one modality. I work to empower individuals through a strength-based approach that sees the strengths in each individual, while also incorporating multicultural and ecological frameworks. I work collaboratively with each student to create a relationship of support, empowerment, self-discovery, and personal growth that meets their needs. I am passionate in my advocacy, empathy, and supportive approaches.

 My experience comes from years of work with the Air Force, Community Mental Health agencies working with underserved, underrepresented populations, and working with Foster Care and Adoption Agency.