About

To the UCSB Family,

Hello and greetings to the undergraduate and graduate scholars, staff, and faculty of the University of California, Santa Barbara community! 

It is with excitement to join the MultiCultural Center and the dedicated, committed, talented team who is championing equity and social justice for our campus and outlying community. 

My name is Onar Primitivo and I will be serving as the new MultiCultural Center Director. Having had over 20+ years in higher education, my passion lies in our collective cultural wisdom in shaping ourselves and our UCSB community to continue the good work the MCC has been doing as it relates to a transformative campus community. 

I am also excited to champion the MultiCultural Center’s pillars of educational programming, student engagement and community outreach, work with campus stakeholders to create a campus vision focused on commitments to faculty, staff, and our undergraduate and graduate scholars, the inclusion of diverse peoples and perspectives in all aspects of campus life, and a sense of belonging and equitable treatment for all members of the campus community.

As I begin a new chapter with UCSB, our work towards equity and social justice is imperative and central as I serve as the Director. I also share with you a quote by bell hooks, “For me, forgiveness and compassion are always linked: how do we hold people accountable for wrongdoing and yet at the same time remain in touch with their humanity enough to believe in their capacity to be transformed?”

I look forward to getting to know you, whether it is virtually or in person. I am excited to partner with all members to build a thriving and vibrant UCSB!

In solidarity and in pride,
Onar Primitivo

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BIO: Onar Primitivo has been working for over 20 years in the field of higher education doing work related to advocacy, diversity, social justice, and equity. After receiving his B.A. in Visual Communication/Graphic Design at Western Washington University, he then attended Colorado State University and got his Masters in Higher Education in Student Affairs. He first got his professional experience at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN in the office of Multicultural Student Services where during his tenure received the Medal of Courage Award given to a staff member who exhibited student advocacy that enhances the student experience. Prior to his departure, he was instrumental in establishing the first LGBTQ student funded organization at a private Catholic institution. He then took the opportunity to work at the University of San Diego, where he worked with student clubs and organizations, student government and programming board in the Student Leadership and Involvement Center and served as the interim assistant director in the United Front Multicultural Center working with historically marginalized population of the campus. With almost ten years at the University of California, Merced, Onar has served in multiple capacities related to diversity, social justice, and equity. With his leadership, UC Merced implemented the Office of Social Justice Initiatives and Identity Programs which serves the undergraduate scholars, campus and off campus community providing workshops, initiatives, programs, and events. He also assisted with the opening of the Multicultural Center, Graduates Student Resources, Black Student Resource Center, and the Pride/LGBTQ+ Center. These centers provide a sense of belonging and community building through shared experiences and authentic connections. Onar remains committed to creating an inclusive campus for an enriched and thriving student/campus experience as he joins the University of California, Santa Barbara.