Akirah Bradley-Armstrong named New Vice Chancellor, Division of Student Life
The Division of Student Life (DSL) is delighted to introduce our next Vice Chancellor for Student Life, Akirah Bradley-Armstrong, EdD. Akirah has more than two decades of experience working in student affairs and will be joining us from the University of California, Santa Cruz, where she has served as Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Success.
Akirah has a proven record of leading large, complex student affairs organizations and fostering vibrant campus communities. Before assuming her current role at UC Santa Cruz, she served as the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at the University of Colorado Boulder, and in senior student life roles at the University of California, Berkeley.
Throughout her career, Akirah has driven high-impact, system-level change across residential and Greek life, dining, athletics, and campus planning. Her innovative approach led to the launch of the University of California system’s first campus mobile crisis response team, the establishment of a two-year housing guarantee, and the advancement of initiatives of the UC Santa Cruz strategic plan. Nationally recognized in higher education, she has served on the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators Board of Directors and chaired its 2025 national conference.
Grounded in her background as a first-generation college graduate, student-athlete, and sorority member, Akirah has earned a reputation for leading with deep integrity and an unshakeable commitment to student success.
Chancellor Melissa Nobles
Known for her collaborative approach, Akirah develops strong partnerships between students, faculty, and staff to build an environment where every student can thrive. DSL will be welcoming Akirah to campus in late October.
Have a question about this article?
Contact Sarah Foote from the Division of Student Life’s Communications Office at dsl-comm@mit.edu