Faustina Solis, professor emerita at the University of California San Diego, died earlier this month in San Diego at the age of 90. She was the first full professor at the university’s medical school who did not have a medical degree. After joining the university’s faculty in 1971 she developed coursework in public health for both undergraduates and medical school students.
Professor Solis was provost at the university’s Thurgood Marshall College from 1981 to 1988 and was the first Latina to serve in the post. Before joining the academic world, Professor Solis worked for the California State Department of Health. She also served as president of the California Association for Maternal and Public Health.
A native of Compton, California, Solis was one of 12 children of a family of Mexican immigrants. She earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of California at Los Angeles and a master of social work degree from the University of Southern California.