Dr. Tonika Duren Green is an Associate Vice President within Student Affairs and Campus Diversity at San Diego State University, where she also serves as a Professor and Director. With over two decades of experience in education, leadership, and advocacy, she is committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across all areas of her work. As a federally funded grant director, she has secured over $5 million in grants to support programs that enhance educational outcomes for marginalized and minoritized communities, particularly foster youth and students with disabilities.
Throughout her career, Dr. Green has been driven by a passion for empowering future leaders and building systems that promote student success. She is known for her strategic vision and ability to lead initiatives that transform institutions into spaces of inclusive excellence. At SDSU, she manages key student resource centers and the Office of Graduate Life and Diversity, which provide essential support to students of diverse backgrounds.
Dr. Green is also deeply invested in mentoring, particularly for African American students, and has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at increasing faculty and student retention, improving graduation rates, and fostering community. Her approach to leadership is rooted in collaboration, innovation, and a lifelong commitment to creating equitable educational environments.
In addition to her work at SDSU, Dr. Green has been featured on NBC and CBS local news, where she discussed her efforts to support student success during COVID-19, emphasizing the importance of creating inclusive and equitable opportunities for all students during the pandemic’s challenges.
With a Ph.D. in School Psychology, specializing in Multicultural Counseling, and a passion for research, she has published extensively on topics related to DEI, foster youth, and educational equity. As a scholar, she continues to influence policy and practice, while mentoring the next generation of leaders.