Bridging Students and System: The Leadership of Dr. Daniel Dominguez 

September 2025
By Tanya Torres '18, '21

Behind the title of Director of General Accounting and Financial Reporting for The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is Dr. Daniel Dominguez, a former University of Texas System Student Regent and current Chancellor’s Centurion, who is ready to continue representing students in the University of Texas System (UT System). With a voice that once spoke on behalf of over 240,000 students, Dominguez continues to carry their concerns, hopes and ideas into the rooms where decisions are made. His mission is simple but powerful: to make a lasting difference in higher education for future generations of students.

Representing UTEP at the UT System Board of Regents  

When Dr. Dominguez was pursuing his doctoral degree in Educational Leadership and Administration at UTEP’s College of Education in 2018, the University invited students to apply to be considered for either the Student Regent position on the UT System Board of Regents (BOR) or the Student Representative position on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. As a student in good standing, Dominguez jumped on the opportunity to give back to UTEP and future generations to come. 

Dr. Dominguez underwent a rigorous interview process to become Student Regent. He interviewed with university leaders, and received the endorsement of then-President Diana Natalicio, the UT System Chancellor J.B. Milliken and the Governor’s office. With 14 finalist students vying for the highly sought-after position, Dominguez was appointed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott to serve as the Student Regent for the entire UT System. He began his term in June 2019 and served until May 2020.

“I was very proud to represent the student body,” he said. “I represented 240,000 students, not only UTEP's students but also students from the entire UT System. It was a wonderful experience and a high satisfaction to be able to do that. As a member of the BOR you are in a position where you are able to talk to people in leadership positions who will listen to you, and, if you communicate the right ideas, then you might see some action on their part to try to implement your ideas,” Dominguez said.

Continuing the Mission: Chancellor’s Centurion 

Although serving on the BOR as a Student Regent is only for a year, Dominguez’s dedication toward student advocacy did not end there. Shortly after he completed his appointment, he was invited to join the Chancellor’s Centurions, a select group of young alumni from across the UT System who collaborate with university leadership on key issues in higher education. The invitation came directly from the Chancellor’s office, who were impressed by Dominguez’s work during his regency. Typically, the Centurions go through an interview process that is less rigorous than the Student Regency application process.

“The Chancellor invited me, and I immediately said yes, because I saw this as another opportunity to be part of the entire experience in higher education. You get to participate, influence and provide feedback to the highest level of your organization,” Dominguez said. 

As a Centurion, Dominguez engages with leaders from across UT institutions by sharing best practices, finding areas of improvement and advocating for policies that benefit students. Being part of the Centurions allows these select alumni representing every UT institution, to get to know UT System leadership, exchange experiences and ideas, making it easier for them to speak about issues in higher education they believe needs to be changed to improve the student’s experience. Although it is not a paid position, giving back to UTEP is something Dominguez believes is important as an alum because it means advocating for future generations of students.

“In our meetings, we develop networks and talk about the things that need to be improved for the next students,” Dominguez explained, “trying to improve things that you might not have liked as a student and making it better for the next generation. It is a worthwhile investment of my time,” he said.

Words to Live By: Dominguez’s Advice to Future Leaders 

For Dominguez, leadership is not about titles; it is about the impact you make. As a child, he dreamed of earning a doctoral degree. The thought was always on his mind, which eventually led him to continue his education as a doctoral student at UTEP, an institution he loves and has admired since his early years living in his native Juarez, Mexico. It took him many years, but he never gave up on his dream.  He always strived for the best. His journey from student to Regent and then Centurion has taught him that influence begins with listening, humility, and a willingness to serve future generations.

Dominguez encourages students to embrace discomfort and challenges because that is what life is all about, “Don’t be afraid to speak up.” Even if you think your voice is small, it matters. You never know who is listening or how your words might spark change,” Dominguez said. “No matter how far you go, remember where you came from. Your story, your community, your experiences are your strength. Use them to lift others,” Dominguez said.

His advice is rooted in experience, humility, and a belief in empowering others and giving back.  Dr. Dominguez echoes Covey and other thought experts who believe that true leadership is not just about where you go, it is about how you carry others with you.