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Cynthia Aguilar Appointed Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

Aguilar brings nearly 15 years of higher education experience

The University of Texas at El Paso has appointed Cynthia Aguilar as associate vice president and dean of students beginning Jan. 2, 2024. With nearly 15 years of experience in higher education under her belt, Aguilar will help UTEP continue to offer a high-quality, affordable education to all.

Cynthia Aguilar standing at the forefront
The University of Texas at El Paso has appointed Cynthia Aguilar as associate vice president and dean of students beginning Jan. 2, 2024. With nearly 15 years of experience in higher education under her belt, Aguilar will help UTEP continue to offer a high-quality, affordable education to all.

“We welcome Cynthia to the UTEP team,” said UTEP President Heather Wilson. “We look forward to her work with our students and helping them to develop their gifts.”

A proud UTEP alumna, Aguilar earned her Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Administration in 2006. Prior to earning her graduate degree, Aguilar completed her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and teaching in 1997. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Education degree with Abilene Christian University.

Throughout her career, Aguilar has led student success initiatives at institutions like El Paso Community College, Mountain View College in the Dallas County Community College District and Dallas College. Before joining UTEP, she served as the assistant vice president at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas, where she advocated on behalf of students and led oversight for programs like the university’s counseling center, health center and food pantry, among others.

She has also dedicated her time to serving on committees promoting equity and supportive measures on college campuses and is a member of numerous associations promoting the success of Hispanic students.

“I’m excited to continue UTEP’s work of fostering a healthy, safe and empowering community and to equip staff for success,” Aguilar said. “Through my work, I hope to continue serving as a role model for young Latina women and to further prove just what a UTEP education can do for you.”

At UTEP, Aguilar will lead critical programs providing the support students need to not just succeed but thrive as Miners. In her role, she will oversee Student Media and Publications, Leadership Development, the Dean of Students Office, Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution, Student Engagement and Leadership Center, Student Government Association and Spirit Operations, which includes the UTEP cheer and dance teams. She will also serve as a liaison for student parents, helping to connect them to resources to help them succeed.

Vice President for Student Affairs Catie McCorry-Andalis, Ed.D., added, "Aguilar knows that students are hungry for leadership development opportunities, and in her nearly two decades of experience has developed strategic relationships, implemented programming and managed teams in order to provide students these important opportunities. I'm excited for all that she will help implement for our students." 

Last Updated on January 31, 2024 at 12:00 AM | Originally published January 31, 2024

By MC Staff UTEP Marketing and Communications