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  • President's Bio
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  • 50th Anniversary (coming soon!)
  • 2008 Inauguration of Mildred García

President García's Biography

Mildred García, Ed.D., is the seventh president of California State University, Dominguez Hills and the eleventh female president-the first Latina president-in the California State University system. CSU Dominguez Hills is a comprehensive urban university located in the South Bay area of Los Angeles County. Over 12,000 enrolled students choose from 45 baccalaureate degrees and 24 master's degrees offered by the University's five colleges. Assuming the presidency in August 2007, Dr. García is a good fit for one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse universities in the western United States. Named to Hispanic Business magazine's 100 Most Influential Hispanics list for 2007, President García brought with her a commitment to multicultural alliances and belief that these coalitions strengthen students' self-development and opportunities, as well as strengthening institutions and communities.

García came to Dominguez Hills after serving from 2001 to 2007 as President of Berkeley College in New York and New Jersey, where she championed the cause of access with success-the obligation to make the attainment of a college degree a realistic goal for all who strive to succeed. Under her leadership, the college began offering full academic programs in an online format. Over 14 bachelor's and 14 associate's degrees were approved, including Criminal Justice, International Business, Fashion Marketing and Management, Health Information Management and Human Resources. The college also made a number of capital improvements during her tenure, including the construction of new facilities as well as the modernization and renovation of existing facilities. Prior to Berkeley, she was at Arizona State University (1997-2001), Montclair State University (1986-1996), and Hostos Community College of City University of New York (1979-1986).

An educator foremost, García is a scholar in the field of higher education. Her research has concentrated on equity in higher education and its impact on policy and practice. She has written extensively and is a much sought-after speaker at national and international conferences. Among the books she has authored are Succeeding in an Academic Career, which focuses on how faculty of color can succeed in higher education; Assessing Campus Diversity Initiatives (co-published); and Transforming the First Year of College for Students of Color (with Laura I. Rendón and Dawn Person). Most recently, she gave an address at the Association of American Colleges and Universities' Annual Meeting in Seattle, WA, as well as at the American Council on Education's Annual Meeting.

García is an active member of the American Council of Education, American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education, and the Association of American Colleges and Universities where she serves on their Board of Directors. She also serves on the Editorial Advisory Board of Peer Review, Association of American Colleges and Universities; on the Advisory Board for Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education; and as founding board member of the National Council for Community and Education Partnerships.

García received a Doctor of Education as well as a Master of Arts in higher education administration from Teachers College, Columbia University; an M.A. in business education/higher education from New York University; a B.S. in business education from Bernard Baruch College of City University of New York (CUNY); and an A.A.S. in legal secretarial sciences in business from New York City Community College of CUNY.