Dr. Cameisha Clark, a 35-year-old African American woman, was tragically killed in a workplace shooting on May 2, 2025, at Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology in Inglewood, California. She had recently been promoted to dean of student affairs at the college, a position she had worked tirelessly to achieve. Her dedication to education and her students was widely recognized, and she was known for her compassionate leadership.
The shooting occurred on campus, where a former security guard entered the building and opened fire, killing Dr. Clark and injuring another employee.
Authorities identified the suspect as Jesse Figueroa, a 40-year-old former security guard at Spartan College. He was arrested and charged with murder, attempted murder, and possession of a firearm with prior violent convictions. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, but investigators have classified it as an act of workplace violence. Dr. Clark’s family and friends have expressed their grief and disbelief, remembering her as a vibrant and caring individual who had a profound impact on those around her.
Dr. Clark was a three-time graduate of Clark Atlanta University, where she earned degrees in psychology, social work, and higher education leadership. She had a strong commitment to addressing gun violence, a cause that was deeply personal to her, as she had lost both her father and brother to gun-related incidents. In honor of her legacy, Clark Atlanta University has established a $10,000 scholarship fund in her name to support students pursuing careers in education. Her family continues to mourn her loss, emphasizing the positive influence she had on her community and the students she mentored.
