California State University San Marcos

Satia Austin is the president of the North County NAACP, and her partnership has resulted in steady forward movement in Black student success at California State University San Marcos and deepened relationships with Black communities in the region. 

Ms. Austin has described her early childhood as grounded in the values of education, personal responsibility and achievement. These values were established and sustained by her parents. As a result, Ms. Austin graduated from high school at the age of 15 and went on to complete her bachelor of science degree at Liberty University and earn a Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning with Technology from Ashford University. 

Ms. Austin's commitment to youth is readily evident in her work with the North County NAACP. As president, she endeavors to eliminate the inequalities that exist for African Americans and other minorities in low-performing schools and the criminal justice system. She carries this commitment beyond the NAACP to other community organizations, and her presence and impact across the county has been recognized by U.S. Congressman Mike Levin (Constituent of the Month, February 2021). Ms. Austin was also recognized by The San Diego Business Journal as a 2022 Black Leader of Influence. 

Ms. Austin's commitment to, and involvement with, CSUSM has been long-standing. When the university invited Ms. Austin and other Black community leaders to discuss student success, Ms. Austin readily accepted. Thus, began an ongoing dialogue and relationship grounded in mutual respect and shared commitment to social justice, equity and inclusion. She has been instrumental in facilitating conversations with leaders from Black community organizations and churches about how the university can better serve and meet the needs of Black students and families. Due in large part to Ms. Austin's leadership, these conversations and partnerships culminated in a recent agreement with the Coalition for Black and African American Education designed to support families in their pursuit of higher education.  

Ms. Austin is a community leader in the region; she is invited regularly to join boards and organizations and supports organizations that share an interest in serving youth and underrepresented communities. She has been a positive force for change and her impact has been felt across North County including at CSUSM. 

In recognition of her commitment to the success of Black communities in the campus and region, the Board of Trustees of the California State University and California State University San Marcos are proud to confer upon Satia Austin the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.