WELCOME FROM THE BARTLETT FAMILY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

When Dr. Eleanor Harner started this program 45 years ago in the basement of Old Main, her primary goal was just to help a handful of struggling students who had fallen through the cracks. As time went on, however, Dr. Harner began to realize the potential the fledgling program had to make a greater impact on these learners. With the help of administrators, parents, and others, she set the program on a path to become what it is today: an international leader in providing individualized support to university students who learn differently as they make their way through this critical and often tumultuous stage of life.

With over 600 students in Tucson, two on-campus locations, and support available to in-person, distance, and online learners, the SALT Center’s impact has expanded into something no one could have ever imagined possible back in 1980.

Just as the program has developed with visionary leadership and support, so can the students enrolled in our program. Every day, we work with students to help them take ownership of their lives and feel empowered to pursue their dreams and passions. This ongoing process is full of trial and error, but as students learn to trust us, they soon realize that we are on their team and here to help them become more confident and independent adults.

In this edition of the Journal, you'll read about students who have overcome incredible hardships and the valuable lessons they learned along the way. You’ll also learn about how our comprehensive support services contribute to that growth. Our dedicated team of Student Support Specialists, Tutors, Psychologists, Educational Technology Consultants, and others, work together to help meet students where they’re at and provide them with the tools they need to thrive.

Every year, I hear from alumni and their families about how the SALT Center not only contributed to their academic success in college, but also helped them develop the skills, self-confidence, and growth-mindset they needed to weather the storms of life. Our graduates know how to bear down and push through when things get tough. They know that it’s okay to ask for help when they need it. They know that mistakes and failures do not define them. And perhaps most importantly, they know that they can do hard things.

Lastly, thank you to every member of the SALT Center family, especially those supporters who believe in our students and invest in their potential. We couldn’t do this work without you!

Bear Down!

Gabrielle Miller, Ed. D.

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