Torrian Baskerville builds capacity for LGBTQ, HIV health assistance

Torrian Baskerville of Washington, D.C., was awarded a University Without Walls Scholarship to support his studies for fall 2021. Baskerville serves as manager for prevention for the National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD), leading the capacity building assistance work relative to HIV stigma and LGBTQ sexual health. “Having attempted and dropped out of college four times, I find myself here at UMass Amherst's UWW Interdisciplinary Studies program determined to make this fifth time the charm,” he says. “I found my way to a career in public health, specifically LGBTQ sexual health and HIV prevention, shortly after dropping out the last time. Ten years later, now feels like the right time. Delayed doesn't mean denied.”

With a major in interdisciplinary studies and a concentration in social justice in health care management, this public health advocate is poised to become a first-generation college graduate. His plans after earning his UMass Amherst degree? Law school. Learn more.