Dr. Cinthya M. Saavedra, Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs

Since January 1, 2024, Dr. Cinthya M. Saavedra has served as Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, bringing with her a powerful blend of scholarly rigor, community engagement, and visionary leadership. A nationally recognized scholar in Chicana/Latina feminist epistemologies, bilingual education, and critical childhood studies, Dr. Saavedra’s academic journey spans over two decades. She earned her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Texas A&M University and has held faculty and leadership roles at Utah State University and UTRGV. Her research and pedagogy are deeply rooted in the complexities of shifting identities and lived experiences of borderland communities. At UTRGV, Dr. Saavedra has been a transformative presence. As former Director of the Mexican American Studies Program and Associate Dean for Community Engagement in the College of Liberal Arts, she has led initiatives that center faculty success, mentorship, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Her work with the Edinburg Housing Authority on community-based literacy programs exemplifies her commitment to public scholarship and grassroots impact. In her current role, Dr. Saavedra is focused on cultivating a faculty culture that is significant, impactful, and responsive to the needs of a diverse academic community. She brings a deep understanding of the complexities of faculty life and a passion for creating spaces where all scholars can thrive. Dr. Saavedra’s leadership is not just administrative—it is intellectual, relational, and grounded in a profound respect for the transformative power of education.