University of Redlands
Dear University Community,
I’m thrilled to announce that Dr. Sandra Vasquez will join our University as the interim Vice President of Student Affairs on May 28. Sandra has a wealth of experience in student affairs, having led programs at both private and public universities. She recently served as the Vice President for Student Affairs at Pitzer College, where she oversaw a team of 27 staff members. She also provided mentorship, professional development, and coaching to a six-member leadership team, social work paraprofessionals, and over 250 student employees.
An innovative champion for student success and the transformational impact of the holistic student life experience, under her leadership, the Division of Student Affairs established the inaugural Student Success Initiatives Office, bolstered mentoring opportunities and collaborations with student government, student organization leadership, inaugural student fellowship leaders, faculty and departments, and achieved the highest levels of student engagement in student life, academic support, health, wellness and recreation, and career advising. She was also a key member of the Student Deans Committee, charged with shaping system-wide student affairs policy across all seven of the Claremont Colleges.
During her time at Pitzer, Sandra previously served as Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, where she managed and led the establishment of numerous multidisciplinary collaborative programs to help students succeed academically and personally.
Prior to that, Sandra served as the Associate Dean of Students and Director in the Office of Judicial Affairs at UC Santa Barbara, where she led the implementation of the new UC system-wide student disciplinary policies and procedures related to sexual violence and sexual harassment.
She also served in student-facing roles at Cal State University San Bernardino, the University of Southern California, Cal State University Northridge, and the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville.
She holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California, an M.Ed. in Higher Education Leadership from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, and a B.A. in Liberal Studies from Cal State University Northridge.
Well known for her unwavering support of students, particularly those who are first-generation, Sandra has earned a reputation as a true advocate for educational equity and inclusivity. Please join me in extending a warm Bulldog welcome to Sandra!
Sincerely,
Krista L. Newkirk
President
