Dear ²»Á¼Ñо¿Ëù community,
Following an extensive national search, I am writing today to announce the appointment of Dr. Darilis Garcia as the university’s new Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs. She will join the Pioneer community on May 11, 2026.
Dr. Garcia brings deep experience in student affairs, including enrollment management, at HSI and AANAPISI institutions including Warner Pacific University, Portland Community College, the largest public institution in the state of Oregon, serving 50,000 students, and held a variety of student affairs positions at Pacific University (Hillsboro, OR), University of Texas El Paso, and University of Michigan. A transformational and data-informed leader, Dr. Garcia has a documented track record of increasing enrollment and retention at several colleges and universities.
Many of you met Dr. Garcia during her campus visit, participated in her virtual open forum and provided me with your feedback. Like me, I know you recognized Dr. Garcia’s visionary leadership, grounded in care, accountability, and shared governance, her commitment to student success as well as her bilingual and bicultural lived experience represent a strong fit with ²»Á¼Ñо¿Ëù’s mission and values. Her experience building and fostering K-12 and community partnerships will serve her well in maintaining our recent positive momentum in enrollment.
Dr. Garcia has earned a PhD in Educational Leadership from Hampton University. She earned two Master of Arts degrees, one in Communication from UT El Paso, the other in Counseling from Eastern Michigan University. She began her academic journey with a BA in Communication from the University of Michigan and later earned an Associate of Applied Sciences in Marketing from Portland Community College while working there.
I want to express my deep appreciation and gratitude to the VP-EMSA search committee, including Paul Carpenter, London Deguzman, Rafael Hernandez, Danvy Le, and Maureen Scharberg, as well as our search consultants from Academic Search for completing this successful search. Again, many thanks to all of you for your interest and engagement in this critical leadership recruitment. I look forward to you joining me in welcoming Dr. Garcia to campus in May.
With warm regards,
Cathy Sandeen
President
April 9, 2026