When Reginald Blaylock talks to Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) students about the importance of attending and graduating college, they listen.

His words ring with authenticity; he is director of San Diego State’s EOP — the largest in California — and a tireless advocate for student access and equity. 

Longtime experience with EOP

But there is another reason students listen to Reggie, as he is universally known — he has been in their shoes. The Chicago native came to SDSU as an EOP student in the 1980s.

Then, as now, students accepted into the EOP possess the potential and demonstrated motivation to perform in college, but lack economic or educational advantages. EOP staff provide the financial and academic resources to help these students succeed — as Reggie succeeded.

Two decades on the Mesa

While earning a degree in public administration, he was among the leaders of the 1986 Aztec football team that played in the Holiday Bowl. He returned to campus shortly after graduation to work for Aztec Athletics in fundraising and alumni relations.

Reggie’s natural affinity with students eventually led to a director’s role with the Office of Student Recruitment and School Relations in Academic Affairs and then to his current post in Student Affairs.

Leading a staff of 23 employees plus 115 part-time student tutors, mentors and recruitment and administrative assistants, Reggie annually guides more than 4,000 EOP students through the university experience.

Included in that number are the SDSU Guardian Scholars, remarkable students exiting foster care who are navigating the waters of higher education on their own. The EOP staff provides academic advising, tutoring, math and writing assistance and emotional support for this at-risk group. Reggie’s intercession on behalf of these students has resulted in a number of generous private donations in support of our Guardian Scholars.

An Aztec for Life

After 21 years at SDSU, Reggie continues to inspire students to work hard and succeed. In December, when he completes his graduate studies program, Reggie will make history as the first San Diego State employee to earn an Ed.D. degree from the university.

There is no better example of an Aztec for Life.