How Jennifer Solis Found Her Calling at Crafton Hills College

Publish Date: Jan. 27, 2026

When Jennifer Solis first stepped onto the Crafton Hills College campus, she didn’t know that her time there would ignite a lifelong passion for education, advocacy, and leadership. Now serving as the Assistant Director of First-Year Admissions at the University of Redlands, Solis is committed to helping first-generation and low-income students access the same kind of transformative college experience that changed her own life.

“My time at Crafton laid the foundation for my passion for education, advocacy, and leadership,” Solis said. “As a first-generation Mexican-American daughter of two hardworking parents who came to the U.S. to give me an opportunity, I’ve lived every day making sure I take advantage of learning—and that I help students just like me.”

Solis earned two associate degrees for transfer in psychology and social sciences from Crafton Hills College in 2019 before completing her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology and school counseling at the University of Redlands. She’s currently pursuing her Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) with a focus on higher education and student affairs.

Her journey wasn’t always easy. Solis credits the Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) at Crafton for helping her believe in her potential.

“I specifically have to say that it was the EOPS program at Crafton that got me where I am today,” she said. “My counselor, Kashaunda Harris, never made me feel unworthy even when I felt I would get nowhere.”

That encouragement inspired Solis to build a career centered on empowering others. In her current role, she leads recruitment initiatives that expand college access for underrepresented students, including organizing large-scale campus events and bilingual financial aid workshops.

“Through this work, I’ve become an advocate for all students—especially transfer students—and for the support they need to thrive,” Solis said.

She also proudly represents Crafton Hills College whenever she shares information about her educational journey.

“As a transfer student, I always make sure to introduce my education starting from Crafton Hills Community College,” she said. “I do that because, just as I work for a private university that people think is ‘too expensive,’ I’ve also seen the stereotype that community college is someone’s ‘last option.’ Crafton Hills was always my first option, and it was the best decision I could have made.”

Beyond her professional role, Solis advocates for equity and inclusion in higher education through her service on several committees at the University of Redlands, including the Anti-Racism Committee and the Access to Higher Education for Every Student Policy group. She also mentors transfer students and serves on the university’s Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Her work reflects the values she developed at Crafton.

“Crafton Hills College gave me more than an education,” Solis said. “It gave me confidence, community, and a sense of purpose that continues to guide me every day.”