MinerAlert
MinerAlert
Anne-Marie Núñez, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Diana Natalicio Institute for Hispanic Student Success
Distinguished Centennial Professor of Educational Leadership and Foundations
Dr. Núñez’s visionary scholarship—grounded in understanding how social identities, organizational cultures, and structural barriers shape postsecondary educational opportunities—aligns seamlessly with the mission of the Natalicio Institute: to generate actionable knowledge, nurture communities of scholars, and cultivate systemic transformation in service of Hispanic student success. Her leadership has already amplified the Institute’s role as a convenor of thought leaders, a catalyst for national partnerships, and a producer of rigorous research on the role of HSIs in advancing economic and social mobility.
Dr. Núñez was recently elected to the prestigious National Academy of Education—one of the highest honors in the field—which recognizes her as a leading voice in education research and as a scholar whose work is shaping the future of postsecondary opportunity. This recognition underscores the exceptional caliber of leadership she brings to the Institute and further affirms UTEP’s standing as a national center of innovation in promoting the success of Hispanic-Serving Institutions and their students.
Her appointment also supports UTEP’s broader institutional priorities, as articulated in Goal 4 of its Strategic Plan: to “enhance access to excellent higher education, foster student success, and contribute to a resilient, thriving region” through data-informed decision-making, research excellence, and collaborative networks. Dr. Núñez’s work—particularly through initiatives like an HSI Center for Evaluation and Research Synthesis and leadership in the Computing Alliance of HSIs—directly supports these objectives by creating national models rooted in the lived realities of Hispanic students and the institutions that serve them.
In her dual role as Executive Director and Distinguished Centennial Professor of Educational Leadership and Foundations at UTEP, Dr. Núñez is not only guiding the Institute’s strategic vision but also mentoring a new generation of researchers, leaders, and practitioners. Her presence elevates UTEP’s reputation as a Carnegie R1 and Hispanic-serving university deeply committed to access and excellence, and ensures that the Natalicio Institute continues to grow as a national leader in knowledge production, coalition-building, and inclusive innovation.
Under Dr. Núñez’s leadership, the Institute is poised to make lasting contributions—locally, nationally, and globally—by ensuring that talent from all communities has the opportunity to thrive in and beyond higher education. Her appointment reflects UTEP’s enduring commitment to the legacy of President Emerita Diana Natalicio and its unrelenting pursuit of integrating postsecondary access and excellence to broaden life opportunities.
The establishment of the UT Regents’ Endowed Distinguished Director position at the Diana Natalicio Institute for Hispanic Student Success underscores the University of Texas System's deep and enduring commitment to advancing a vision that aligns with the transformative legacy of President Emerita Diana Natalicio. Appointed to this esteemed role, Dr. Azuri Gonzalez brings over two decades of experience in higher education administration, program development, and community engagement, making her an invaluable asset to the Institute's mission.
In her capacity as Director of Partnerships and Operations, Dr. Gonzalez is instrumental in translating the Institute's strategic vision into actionable initiatives. Her leadership ensures the seamless integration of research, policy, and practice, fostering collaborations that amplify the Institute's impact on Hispanic student success and UTEP’s leadership as a Hispanic-Serving Institution.
Dr. Gonzalez's tenure at UTEP includes serving as the Director of the Center for Community Engagement, where she led efforts that earned UTEP the Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement in both 2010 and 2020. Her work has been pivotal in aligning institutional priorities with community needs, exemplifying her dedication to mission-driven leadership in Hispanic-Serving Institutions.
As a practitioner-scholar, Dr. Gonzalez co-edited the book Community Engagement and High Impact Practices in Higher Education (2018) and advanced frameworks that promote lifelong learning through global citizenship and critical community engagement. Her scholarship bridges theory and practice, reinforcing the Institute's commitment to evidence-based approaches in higher education that promote educational opportunities for all students and communities.
In addition to her primary role at the Institute, Dr. Gonzalez also serves as the Executive Director of the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities (HSRU). This national leadership role further demonstrates her capacity to implement scholar-practitioner models on a broad scale and to operationalize strategies that elevate institutional collaboration and impact.
Dr. Gonzalez's role complements the scholarly leadership of Dr. Anne-Marie Núñez, Executive Director of the Institute, by ensuring that visionary research is effectively implemented through strong operational management. Together, they embody a leadership model that integrates academic excellence with practical execution, driving systemic change to advance Hispanic postsecondary opportunities and student success, both within Hispanic-Serving Institutions and beyond.
Her appointment reflects the UT System's recognition of the critical role that experienced and mission-driven leadership plays in realizing transformative outcomes in higher education and honoring the bold legacy of service exemplified by Dr. Natalicio.