Margaret June Brown
Key architect of EOP structuring at CSUN, played crucial role in the development of Black Graduation.
With sadness and great appreciation for her years with us at CSUN, we share the news that Margaret June Brown passed away on November 22, 2018. She was the first Director of the Student Services Center/Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) for the College of Health and Human Development (previously the College of Communication, Health and Human Services).
Born in Natchez, Mississippi on June 2, 1938, her family relocated to Los Angeles in 1946. In 1956, she graduated from Jefferson High School where she served as student body president. Following graduation, Brown worked for Pacific Bell by day and took courses at California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA) at night, graduating with two bachelor’s degrees: one in Science and the other in Education. She returned to Jefferson High School as a teacher and counselor.
To better pursue teaching and counseling students (what she called her “first love”), she came to California State University, Northridge (CSUN) as a professional in 1977. She quickly established herself as independent, reliable, and hardworking. Brown guided thousands of students to the successful completion of their degree programs at CSUN, preparing them for both their academic and professional lives.
Brown was a key architect in structuring the ways that the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) would be administrated at CSUN and was instrumental in the establishment of the Student Services Center satellites in 1991, taking on the role of Director of the Student Services Center/EOP for the College of Health and Human Development. In 2002 she left the College to serve as Director of the CSUN Advisement Resource Center/EOP where she served until her retirement in 2003.
A powerful student advocate, Brown fought for the rights of all students on campus, and in the early 90s, brought her talents to restructuring Black Graduation. Many of the changes she initiated shaped the way the program is run today. Black Graduation is annual celebration of diversity on campus that honors and celebrates the academic success students of African descent.
In 2002, she received the CSUN Don Dorsey Excellence in Mentoring Award in recognition of her dedication and enthusiasm for mentoring students in the College of Health and Human Development. She was a champion of students, empowering them through the promotion of educational equity, student achievement, retention, and graduation.
She set the bar for excellence in mentoring, guidance, advising, and caring for students in the University and the College. Through her work, she honored all she encountered. Margaret June Brown will always have our gratitude for the caring and growth she brought to the College, and to CSUN.
F2018
Mario Lopez, Jean O’Sullivan