Sou Fang: Upward Bound, Empowering Students, Families, and Communities

Sou Fang, M.Arch
Director, TRIO Upward Bound, Institute of College Initiatives, University of San Diego

Sou Fang will present Upward Bound: Empowering Students, Families, and Communities, including a tribute to our dear, beloved Dr. Cynthia Villis, whose vision and leadership was instrumental in establishing Upward Bound at the University of San Diego.

Sou Fang serves as Director of the University of San Diego TRIO Upward Bound, where he has secured more than $4.5 million in grants to expand college access for low-income and first-generation students in San Diego's underserved communities. The program supports more than 120 students year-round through tutoring, mentoring, academic advising, college preparation, and a fully funded summer residential component at USD.

Before entering higher education administration and leadership, Sou trained as an architect and taught undergraduate and graduate design studios at Syracuse University - School of Architecture, focusing on urban revitalization and community-centered design.

Ethnically Hmong, Sou was born in a refugee camp in Phanat Nikhom, outside Bangkok, Thailand, and immigrated to Linda Vista in San Diego. He currently serves on the board for the Advance Forward Foundation, Groundwork San Diego-Chollas Creek, and the Linda Vista Multicultural Fair & Parade.