To: All campus
Dear Campus Community,
After a competitive national search administered by Isaacson, Miller, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Tonantzín Oseguera as UC Merced’s new Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Engagement.
Dr. Oseguera comes to UC Merced with over 20 years of experience in higher education administration. Most recently, she served as Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment at California State University, Fullerton. Under her leadership, the Division of Student Affairs expanded its efforts in enhancing student engagement, retention and graduation rates.
At CSU Fullerton, Dr. Oseguera also oversaw the NCAA Division I athletics program introducing innovative initiatives that strengthened partnerships between athletics and broader student success efforts, fostering a culture of achievement on and off the field. This experience will benefit UC Merced as we move into NCAA Division II athletics competition.
Born and raised in Mexico City, Dr. Oseguera earned a doctoral degree in Higher Education Administration from USC; a master's in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration from the University of Vermont; and a bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies with an emphasis in Gerontology and Women’s Studies from Colorado State University.
"My work reflects my unwavering belief in the power of education to change lives and uplift communities. I want to continue advocating for transformative student experiences, always prioritizing the voices and needs of students," said Dr. Oseguera.
Dr. Oseguera will assume her role as Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Engagement on Jan. 13, 2025.
Search advisory committee co-chairs, Special Assistant to the Chancellor, Dr. Marjorie Zatz, and Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Brian O'Bruba shared, “Dr. Oseguera is deeply committed to student success and has a wealth of professional experience that will serve her well in this critical role.”
I would like to thank the search advisory committee for their efforts in the recruitment. Committee members were:
- Marjorie Zatz, Special Assistant to the Chancellor, Co-chair
- Brian O’Bruba, Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Co-chair
- Christiane Spitzmueller, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Strategy
- Brian Utter, Interim Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education
- Adriana Rojas, Associate Vice Chancellor for Auxiliary Enterprises and Fiscal Innovation
- Lisa Pollard, Associate Vice Chancellor, Philanthropy and Strategic Partnerships & Vice President of UC Merced Foundation
- Victoria Ordaz Garcia, Undocumented Students Program Coordinator, Bright Success Center
- Lisa Perry, Director, Students First Center
- Valerie Leppert, Senate Faculty Representative, Professor, Materials Science Engineering, School of Engineering
- Cynthia Granados, Staff Assembly Representative, Undergraduate Advisor and Student Transition Coordinator, School of Natural Sciences
- Marianna Harris, Director of Education Programs, Division of Professional and Continuing Education
- Josiah Beharry, Graduate Student and UC Student Regent
- Miguel Craven, Undergraduate Student and President, Associated Students of UC Merced
- Tommy Tran, Lecturer, History/Critical Race and Ethnic Studies
- Cesar Alvarado-Gil, Chief Campus Counsel, Ex-officio
Finally, I extend my deep appreciation to Interim Vice Chancellor Brian O'Bruba who has magnificently led the Division of Student Affairs and Engagement during the recruitment process and will aid Dr. Oseguera’s transition into the role through January 2025. I am grateful for his continued leadership as he returns to the role of Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Engagement.
Dr. Oseguera will join my senior leadership team and, working closely with Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management Scott Hagg and their respective teams, drive enrollment growth, increase retention and enrich student success. Her leadership and experience will be invaluable as we work to cultivate a dynamic, engaged and inclusive environment for UC Merced’s current and future students. Please join me in welcoming Dr. Oseguera to UC Merced.
Sincerely,
Juan Sánchez Muñoz, Ph.D.
Chancellor
