On May 2, 2025, a tragic act of workplace violence unfolded at Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology in Inglewood, California, when two employees were shot on campus.
The devastating incident shook the institution and the broader educational community, as faculty, staff, and students reeled from the shock and grief of the attack. The suspected gunman, identified as 40-year-old Jesse Figueroa, was taken into custody shortly after the shooting.
Authorities have not yet released a clear motive for the attack, and investigations into what led to this act of violence are ongoing. While law enforcement continues to seek answers, the Spartan College community is grappling with the loss of one of its most cherished leaders.
Among the victims was Dr. Cameisha Clark, the Dean of Student Affairs at Spartan College. Tragically, Dr. Clark succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead following the shooting.
Her untimely death has left a void that cannot be filled, as colleagues, students, and friends mourn the loss of a brilliant, compassionate, and devoted educator. Dr. Cameisha Clark was a woman of remarkable achievement and unshakable dedication to the field of higher education.
A proud three-time alumna of Clark Atlanta University (CAU), she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2011, followed by a Master of Social Work in 2013, and ultimately a Doctorate in Educational Leadership in 2020.
Her academic journey reflected her unrelenting commitment to learning, growth, and service. While at CAU, Dr. Clark was much more than a scholar—she was a vibrant and active member of campus life.
From 2007 to 2010, she served as a cheerleader, bringing her energy and enthusiasm to the sidelines of athletic events and campus gatherings. Her leadership qualities emerged early; during her time at Benjamin E. Mays High School in Atlanta, Georgia, she was crowned Miss Mays in the 2006–2007 school year. She graduated from Mays High School in 2007, already well on her way to becoming a powerful force in education and leadership.
Dr. Clark’s professional career was defined by a deep and authentic passion for supporting students. As Dean of Student Affairs at Spartan College, she was known for her accessibility, warmth, and unwavering advocacy for learners from all walks of life.
She saw potential where others saw struggle and met every challenge with compassion and perseverance. Her work wasn’t just about academic policy or student programming—it was about people. She believed in meeting students where they were and helping them move forward with purpose and confidence.
Colleagues recall her tireless work ethic, her boundless optimism, and her ability to make every student feel seen and heard. For many young people pursuing careers in aviation and aeronautics—fields historically lacking in diversity—Dr. Clark was a role model and a beacon of encouragement. Her presence at Spartan College helped foster a culture of inclusion, motivation, and care.
Her former classmates and faculty at Clark Atlanta University are also mourning deeply. The CAU community, which shaped so much of her personal and professional identity, has expressed heartfelt condolences and celebrated her legacy.
Tributes have poured in from former classmates, professors, and sorority sisters, who remember her as a driven leader, a supportive friend, and a woman who carried herself with poise and purpose.
In the days since the shooting, students have gathered for vigils and grief counseling sessions on the Spartan campus. Many have shared stories of Dr. Clark’s impact—how a single conversation with her could inspire renewed focus, or how her encouraging words helped them persevere through academic or personal struggles. She was more than a dean; she was a mentor, an advocate, and a friend.
The second shooting victim, whose name has not yet been publicly released, is reportedly recovering from injuries sustained during the attack. Their condition has not been made public, but support and prayers from the community continue.
As the investigation continues, questions remain unanswered. Why did this happen? Could it have been prevented? While authorities work to uncover the details, those who knew Dr. Cameisha Clark are left to mourn a life of extraordinary promise cut short.
Her legacy, however, will not be forgotten. Through the lives she touched, the programs she built, and the students she empowered, Dr. Clark’s spirit lives on. In her honor, the Spartan College community and the broader world of higher education are reflecting on her contributions and considering how best to carry her work forward.
A memorial service is expected to be announced in the coming days. Meanwhile, those who knew her continue to hold onto her memory, comforted by the words she lived by and the lives she helped shape.
