USD School of Leadership and Education Sciences

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USD School of Leadership and Education Sciences

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Putting passion into practice.

At the School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES), we prepare educators, leaders, counselors and therapists to transform communities and build a more just, inclusive and inspired world.

10/20/2026

Dean Kimberly White-Smith gathered with alumni and their families and friends at the SOLES Homecoming Brunch to share what’s been happening at SOLES.

At SOLES, we are always challenging ourselves to be contributors to our communities and to create meaningful change. Alumni had the chance to re-engage with us, or continue their engagement, and explore what’s next, whether that’s getting involved with one of our initiatives or furthering their education at SOLES.

Thank you for coming home! We hope to see you again soon. ✨

10/16/2026

Thank you for an unforgettable evening! 🩵

Wednesday night, alumni and friends came together to learn about BiGI and to connect with one another and with Dean Kimberly White-Smith.

We were so grateful to share the story of this initiative and to hear from those who want to help shape what comes next.

At SOLES, we believe the strongest communities are built on friendship. Whether you graduated from SOLES or from any other corner of campus, there is a place for you in this work. We hope you’ll come back, give back and keep partnering with us to support San Diego’s students.

Want to get involved? https://hubs.la/Q04Brscb0

10/15/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Wendell Callahan, professor of practice in the University of San Diego’s School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES) and executive director of the USD Catholic Institute for Mental Health Ministry, who recently joined an international roundtable in Rome!

“A Healing Presence: The Church’s Call to Mental Health Ministry” was convened by the International Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers and sponsored by the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.

As a panelist in “Who Cares for Those Who Care? Building Bridges and Fostering Integration,” Dr. Callahan encouraged mental health practitioners, researchers, clergy and pastoral ministers to continue the conversation about the intersection of spirituality and mental health. He also reminded us that the work of psychiatry, psychology and counseling is rooted in respect for human dignity, a foundational principle of Catholic social teaching.

Read more from Vatican News: https://hubs.la/Q04Bk6Ym0

Credit: Photo courtesy of Samuelle Falk

10/08/2026

USD alumni of color and friends, we'd love for you to get involved with BiGI!

Join us Wednesday, October 14 at Stone Brewing Liberty Station for an evening with Dean Kimberly White-Smith to learn about BiGI, an initiative impacting our San Diego community.

Founded four years ago in partnership with the San Diego Foundation and SOLES, BiGI now supports 240 students across San Diego County, with a promise that students admitted to USD will have 100% of their financial aid need met.

Come meet the team, connect with fellow alumni and discover how you can be part of what comes next, whether through mentorship, connections or support. Bring a friend!

Event details:
📅 Wednesday, Oct. 14 | 5:30 to 7 p.m.
📍 Stone Brewing Liberty Station, 2816 Historic Decatur Road, Unit 116, San Diego, CA 92106
🎟️ RSVP: https://hubs.la/Q04zymqh0

10/06/2026

Are you interested in supporting the mental health, education and leadership capacity of our communities? Want to help transform the lives of young people? Today is the day!

Torero Tuesday, USD's day of giving, is your chance to invest in the future of education through SOLES. Your generosity helps us prepare educators, counselors and leaders to make a difference in the communities they serve.

Here's how your gift makes a difference:
🩵 BiGI: A seven-year academic and mentorship program supporting students in grades 6-12
💡 Jacobs Institute for Innovation in Education: Connecting students, educators, researchers and families to co-create research-informed innovation
🤝 The Nonprofit Institute (NPI): Strengthens how organizations and funders operate, align priorities, and respond to change.
🧠 CEEN: Helping schools, workplaces and agencies build neuroinclusive environments
🎓 Expands scholarship opportunities
✨ Prepares future educators, counselors and leaders for society's toughest challenges

Thank you for lighting the way forward for SOLES!

Make a gift at: https://hubs.la/Q04zl_GG0

Kimberly White-Smith

10/05/2026

Alumni and Current Students: You're invited to the SOLES Homecoming Brunch!

Join Dean Kimberly White-Smith for a morning of connection, community and celebration. Reconnect with fellow SOLES alumni, faculty, friends and family over brunch, and enjoy a special presentation on the latest news, impactful initiatives and upcoming events at the School of Leadership and Education Sciences.

Event Details:
📅 Saturday, Oct. 17 | 9–11 a.m.
📍Mother Rosalie Hill Hall, Parkman Plaza & West Plaza
☕ Light refreshments (while supplies last)

We can't wait to welcome you home! Register here: https://hubs.la/Q04z3YVG0

09/29/2026

Congratulations, The Nonprofit Institute!

We're proud to share that The Nonprofit Institute, housed at SOLES, has been named the recipient of the San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program's (SDVLP) Outstanding Community Partner Award at this year's Justice for All Celebration!

Through its partnership with SDVLP, NPI has helped connect local nonprofits with pro bono legal services, giving them the support to spend less time navigating legal complexity and more time advancing their missions.

Executive Director of The Nonprofit Institute, Laura Deitrick, shared: "When nonprofit organizations are protected and strengthened, so are the people who rely on them every day."

Congratulations to The Nonprofit Institute for this well-deserved recognition!

09/28/2026

BiGI has been named a recipient of Bank of America’s 2026 Neighborhood Builders® award, a prestigious recognition that comes with a $200,000 investment to support this incredible project!

BiGI serves students in San Diego who face disproportionality in educational access and outcomes, providing a seven-year academic and mentorship program designed to support students in grades 6–12.

As a Neighborhood Builder, BiGI will also receive leadership training for its Executive Director and an emerging leader, and join a nationwide network of peer organizations working to expand their impact together.

We couldn't be prouder of this team and everything they continue to do for our scholars and community.

Congratulations, BiGI! 🎉

Bank of America Kimberly White-Smith

09/23/2026

See yourself at SOLES! 🎓 ✨ Explore our master’s and doctoral programs, meet the students, faculty and staff who could be part of your journey and imagine what’s possible for your future. Join us at the University of San Diego for the SOLES Graduate Open House on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 9:30 a.m.

🔗 Click the link in our bio to register today. We can’t wait to welcome you!

09/08/2026

Welcome to our newest SOLES students! 🌟

On August 31, SOLES held its 2026 fall orientation, welcoming 150+ students across the Department of Counseling and Marital and Family Therapy, the Department of Leadership Studies, and the Department of Learning and Teaching.

From first-time Toreros to returning students continuing their journey, it was a day full of community, connection and excitement for what's ahead. Here's to a year of growth!

Address

5998 Alcalá Park
San Diego, CA
92110

Telephone

+16192604600

Website

http://www.sandiego.edu/soles

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