Welcome
Welcome to the DuBois-Hamer Institute for Academic Achievement (DHIAA), where our mission is to empower underrepresented students, with a particular focus on African-American and marginalized communities, through education, community engagement, and a commitment to giving back.
Founded in 1997 by Dr. Barbara Rhodes, DHIAA has become a trailblazing institute that played a pivotal role in cultivating the Africana Studies Department and continues to proudly support the recruitment and consistency of young minds on a successful path to matriculation. Our institute extends beyond the classroom, reaching into the heart of communities from which our youth are recruited. We believe in placing the educational process in the charitable context of 'Giving Back,' fostering a sense of responsibility and community awareness.
After careful consideration of numerous historical figures, we chose to name our institute after W.E.B. Du Bois and Fannie Lou Hamer. These iconic figures embody the values of education, grassroots activism, and gender equality—elements crucial for driving the fundamental changes still needed in our nation today.
At DHIAA, we are dedicated to protecting and nurturing the potential of our youth, who represent the future. We affirm our commitment by providing diverse and multiple opportunities for underrepresented students, especially African-American and marginalized youth populations to understand, appreciate, and actively participate in the responsibilities of activism, allowing them to embrace their power and make a lasting impact. Join us in shaping a future where education, equality, and community engagement pave the way for positive change.
DHIIA’s vision of a university-community based partnership to provide academic and emotional support to CSUN students, continues to be a strategic goal of DHIAA and the college of social & behavioral sciences.”
Logo developed by Maureen Elias
Meet Our Director
Cedric Hackett, Ed.D. is a professor in the department of Africana Studies at California State University, Northridge and the director of the DuBois-Hamer Institute for Academic Achievement, which supports student success through community and Apis partnerships. He is also the incoming Faculty Athletics Representative to the NCAA. Dr. Hackett received his Doctor of Education degree in Higher Education Leadership at California Lutheran University in 2011. He was a recipient of the prestigious Chancellor’s Doctoral Incentive Program designed to assist students who are interested in teaching in the California State University. His research interests are broad, spanning from leadership, identity development, athletics and student development & engagement, to racially engaging pedagogy and the psychological and sociological nature of underrepresented groups (i.e. experiences of Black Men in higher education). His scholarship includes Get In Where You Fit In: Understanding Engaged Learning in an African-centered Environment (Journal of Negro Education, 2018) and Kufundisha: An Innovative Teaching Approach for Student Engagement and Experiential Learning (Journal for Pan African Studies, 2016).
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Give Back to DHIAA
Your generous contributions will directly impact the lives of underrepresented students (K-16) on a successful path to matriculation and self-advocacy. All Donations empower DHIAA to foster academic excellence, empower the community, and advance scholarly inquiry. To donate securely online, please click the ‘Give Back' button. Thank you for being a part of our mission!
Map to Santa Susana Hall
DuBois-Hamer Institute for Academic Achievement
Cedric Hackett, Director
220 Santa Susana Hall
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330-8315
cedric.hackett@csun.edu
- Phone: (818) 677-3311
Monday - Friday: 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
