Virginia Tech appoints new director of the Black Cultural Center

Tyler Brentley has been named the new director of the Black Cultural Center, effective March 25.

Brentley, a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, native, earned an undergraduate degree in pre-law from Youngstown State University, Ohio, and is a graduate of its Master of Science in education in counseling program.

During his time as a graduate student, Brentley held a graduate assistantship in the Williamson College of Business Administration, where he served as an academic advisor and mentor to students. Most recently, he has worked as the multicultural and inclusion coordinator at Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pennsylvania. In that role, he was responsible for assisting with the academic, cultural, and social needs of minority student populations.

As the new director of the Black Cultural Center and reporting to the Office for Inclusion and Diversity, Brentley will support the university's diversity and inclusion efforts by developing programs, events, and services that facilitate the personal, social, academic, and cultural well-being of Black and African American students.

In this role, Brentley will also be responsible for analyzing campus, regional, and national data on conditions affecting the African American community; using this information to inform and educate the campus community about issues; and taking appropriate and responsible actions consistent with advocacy and support of a welcoming and supportive campus community for Black and African American undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff, alumni, and community members.

Brentley will work in collaboration Housing and Residence Life and the Student Success Center to support the Ujima Living-Learning Community.

Brentley’s personal passion for social justice led to his involvement as a member on the City of Erie’s Core Team for Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, keeping up with sports, and spending time with his family and friends.