As a proud Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), San José State University is committed to creating an empowering environment for our Latinx students, faculty, and staff. Hispanic Heritage Month provides a special opportunity to celebrate the incredible individuals who contribute to the vibrancy of our campus comunidad throughout the year.
We are fortunate to have outstanding educators like Dr. Jonathan Gomez (1) in Chicana and Chicano Studies, Dr. Jessica Castillo Vardaro (2) in Ecology and Evolution, Dr. Vicky Gomez(3) in Public Health and Recreation, all of whom have recently earned tenure, as well as Dr. Luis Poza (4) in Teacher Education. Additionally, Dr. Alberto Garcia (8), in the Department of History, continues to advance critical research on the bracero program and its legacy, contributing to a deeper understanding of Latinx history. Their dedication to teaching and research reflects our commitment to academic excellence and social justice.
We are inspired by Dr. Mari Fuentes-Martin (5), who leads our division of Student Affairs and who has dedicated over three decades of her life to serving students in higher education. Also in the division of student affairs is Anita Manuel (6), associate director of the Career Center, whose work enriches the student experience and fosters career readiness for all Spartans.
Equally impactful is Ana Navarrete (7), program director of the UndocuSpartan Student Resource Center, whose tireless advocacy ensures that our undocumented students are seen, supported, and empowered to achieve their dreams.
Lastly, our Chicanx/Latinx Student Success Center, also known as “Centro,” plays a pivotal role in supporting our students, and is led by Selene Ramirez, M.A. (9). Selene's work ensures that our students thrive academically and personally, continuing to inspire future generations of leaders.
We are proud to honor the contributions of these remarkable individuals during Hispanic Heritage Month and beyond. Their work shapes the future of SJSU and supports our mission of being a welcoming and inclusive place for all.
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