She holds a B.A. in history and ethnic studies-African American studies from Cal State Fullerton, an M.A. in U.S. history from Cal State Long Beach, an M.A. in higher education and student affairs from Ohio State University and a Ph.D. in social and cultural foundations of education (specializing in the history of African American higher education) from Ohio State University. Prior to joining the CSUF faculty, she worked in university administration in academic advising administration and multicultural student affairs.