About Me

Terrance Mayes currently serves as Director, Student Life and Diversity for the University of California San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering. In this role he manages the newly founded IDEA Center, which promotes inclusion, diversity, excellence and advancement amongst Jacobs School students, staff and faculty. A central goal of the Center is to increase the enrollment and retention of historically underrepresented minority and female students within the school of engineering. Mr. Mayes plays an important role in ensuring that the Jacobs School develops and maintains a more diverse and inclusive student and faculty population.

Prior to accepting his current leadership position, Mayes served as the Director of Student Affairs and Alumni Relations for the Jacob School’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. In that role, he oversaw the academic advising for the largest graduate program on the UC San Diego campus. He was also responsible for leading the undergraduate advising unit and the department’s engagement with industry and alumni.

In 2010, Mayes was honored by the Urban League of San Diego County with one of the inaugural “Forty under 40” awards. The award introduces young leaders whom are playing critical roles in the community and professional arenas within San Diego County. In its inaugural year, the IDEA Center was awarded the UC San Diego Affirmative Action & Equal Opportunity Award for Organizational Excellence.

Terrance Mayes, a native of Fresno, CA, holds a BA Degree in Communications from California State University, Fresno and a MS Degree in Organizational Leadership from National University in La Jolla, CA. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership with the UC San Diego/CSU San Marcos Joint Doctoral Program.