Dr. Ray Briggs is the 2023 Diversity in Action resident

Dr. Briggs is an associate professor of music and assistant director of jazz studies in the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) where he teaches courses in ethnomusicology, African American music, and jazz history. He is a graduate of the University of Redlands M.M. ‘95. Tasked with developing and overseeing strategies to attract and retain more diverse faculty throughout the College of the Arts at CSULB, he was recently appointed as faculty equity advocate. In his local community, he serves as chair of the Racial Reconciliation Ministry at Lake Avenue Church in Pasadena. 

In addition to this administrative work and ongoing engagement with scholarly research, Dr. Briggs is active as a jazz saxophonist and serves as director of the Quincy Jones Jazz Camp. His book, "Memphis Jazz: Music, Community, and the Politics of Race," is forthcoming from the University of Michigan Press.

During the week of March 13, Dr. Briggs will be on campus to share his life story and experiences. He will engage in conversations with members of the University community and the broader Redlands community and on Wednesday, March 15, he will have a performance at the University's Memorial Chapel. 

Each spring semester, a new resident will be chosen from a pool of nominations and applications. Learn more about the program or nominate a candidate.  For questions or additional information, please email student_affairs@redlands.edu.