The history of the SALT Center is one of partnerships. In 1980, our founder, Dr. Eleanor Harner, launched the program out of a desire to help students with learning differences reach their potential and graduate from the University of Arizona, but she always understood that she could never do this alone. During the first decade of the program, she collaborated with faculty, administrators, parents and others to build the program into a national and international model. In the 1990s, she called upon this network of supporters to help raise the funds necessary to move the program out of the basement of Old Main and into a brand-new facility, designed specifically for us.

Since those early days, we have continued to work with others to grow Eleanor’s dream and expand the impact of the SALT Center. This year, we forged a new partnership with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) that will strengthen student services within CALS and connect them directly to the SALT Center. This exciting new collaboration is the first of its kind at the University of Arizona and was made possible through the generous gift of a longtime CALS supporter who is committed to bringing the very best services possible to CALS students. We are incredibly proud of our partnership with CALS and humbled by their confidence in our program.

Just as noteworthy are the countless partnerships that are in action all around us every day. In this year’s edition of the Journal, you will learn how our Sr. Student Support Specialists and Academic Intervention teams are partnering to more seamlessly support students. We’ve also shared examples of alumni, student workers, custodians, tutors, donors, and others coming together during such a difficult period to ensure that our students have the support they need.

Lastly, we are incredibly fortunate to have Dr. Roxana Samaniego on our staff overseeing the SALT Center’s Psychological and Wellness Services. Since the pandemic began, her team has worked closely with our Sr. Student Support Specialists to engage students in impactful ways. Her article, Navigating Challenges through the Power of Flexibility, is an invaluable resource for parents and students trying to find their way forward during these times of uncertainty.

Thank you for your continued support and friendship. Over the last year, perhaps more than ever, it is clear that the SALT Center is truly an amazing community. I look forward to all the amazing things this new year has in store for us, as I know we’ll come through it together.

Bear Down!

Gabrielle Miller, Ed.D.