Vasquez, Gates earn campus-wide awards

Commencement wasn’t the only cause for celebration in the San Diego State University College of Education during the month of May. Two faculty members in the Department of Administration, Rehabilitation and Postsecondary Education (ARPE) also received campus-wide recognition.

Marissa Vasquez, associate professor and chair-elect of ARPE, was named a recipient of SDSU’s Faculty Diversity Excellence Award. Bestowed by the Division of Student Affairs and Campus Diversity, the honor is given to one faculty member each year who shows commitment to the university’s mission and values.

Lisa Gates, director of the Leadership Studies program, received the Malcolm A. Love Award from Associated Students (A.S.). Named for the fourth president of SDSU, the honor is given to one faculty member each year for support of A.S. and its students.

Marissa Vasquez

Diversity is at the forefront of Vasquez’s work. As associate director of the Community College Equity Assessment Lab (CCEAL), she strives to improve outcomes for underrepresented students in higher education. Starting this fall, she will also serve as chair of the American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education (AAHHE). 

However, much of her impact comes from her mentorship of underrepresented students in her research lab and in graduate programs. In ways both intentional and organic, she demystifies academia and provides them resources to succeed.

"When I first became a professor, I told myself that I wanted to be someone who students found approachable and down-to-Earth," Vasquez said. "Part of it is just me being me. But I also know that it's important to share and create opportunities to help expose the hidden curriculum in higher ed for first-gen and students of color. I try to do this by inviting students to work on research projects, present at conferences, and publish. I want them to see themselves reflected in research and also feel confident in doing so."

Vasquez was nominated by Danielle Huddlestun, a student in the Joint Ph.D. Program with Claremont Graduate University and a researcher at CCEAL. In the process of the nomination, Huddlestun collected testimonials from current and former students, colleagues at other institutions and community organizations.

"Danielle forwarded me the packet of letters," Vasquez said. "I thought, 'Oh, my goodness!’ as I read through the letters. It was validating to read about the impact that each nominator  felt that I had on them and our campus community."

Lisa Gates

Gates received her honor amid a sea of familiar faces on May 1 in Montezuma Hall at the annual A.S. Aztec Achievement Awards, which recognize the excellence of students, faculty, staff and community members. 

She has been the driving force behind the growth of SDSU’s Leadership Studies Program, an interdisciplinary program designed to develop self-aware, culturally competent and transformational leaders. Last year, Gates spearheaded the launch of a new undergraduate major.

A large number of Leadership Studies students were in attendance, including the emcee who presented the award — A.S. Executive Vice President Tajuddin Henry.

“That was one of the highlights of the night for me, for sure, because Taj is so amazing,” Gates said. “It was just really a special evening, and A.S. did such a fantastic job of organizing the event. The energy in that room reveals something about the nature of our students and their commitment to making positive things happen on behalf of the student body.”

In reflecting on her work, Gates said she is driven to live up to a high standard of quality and give her students the best experiences possible. She is also committed to helping students move forward in their development by forging positive relationships.

“I marvel at students,” she says. “I get to be in the classroom with them and I think, ‘I better up my game here because they are so smart.’ I still count it a huge honor to speak into another person’s life and contribute to their growth and development. That means I’d better be the kind of person who can do that with integrity.” 

“I hold the opportunity to work with students in a place of great reverence.”