Dean of Students Division of Strategic Enrollment and Student Affairs

Meet the Staff

Executive Team

Executive Staff Bio
	Stephen Hirst Associate Vice President for Strategic Enrollment & Student Affairs Dr. Hirst is a Harlingen, TX native and previously served as Associate Vice President of Campus Life and Student Success at Texas A&M University-Commerce. He began his career in higher education at Texas Tech University as an Activities Advisor for the Center for Campus Life and has served in various student life and student affairs leadership roles over the past 21 years. Dr. Hirst earned his Doctorate in Higher Education Administration from the University of Alabama in 2020.

Executive Staff Bio
	Ismael Amaya Dean of Students Mr. Amaya is a Rio Grande Valley native with extensive experience in higher education leadership and public administration. With a strong background in student affairs, he served in various roles, including Assistant Dean of Students at Texas State University. His experience includes student rights and responsibilities, compliance, risk management, and student success initiatives. He has received several honors and awards for his contributions to student affairs and student success. Dean Amaya is committed to fostering a safe and welcoming environment where students can thrive and prepare for their future success, especially for students (and families) new to higher education. Mr. Amaya earned his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Master of Arts in Public Administration from Texas State. He is pursuing his Doctorate in Education from the University of Texas at Austin.

Executive Staff Bio
	Rebecca K. Gadson Associate Dean for Policy Management and Director of Residence Life Ms. Gadson is dedicated to college student access, support, success, graduation, and the development of transformational leaders. She is a collaborative, creative, and team-oriented Student Affairs practitioner with over twenty years of experience working as a student affairs practitioner in which she has advised student government, the campus programming board, Fraternity and Sorority Life, and served as a Residence Life Director. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Liberal Arts for Human Services from the Morris campus of the University of Minnesota and a Master of Arts in Counseling in Higher Education from Western Michigan University.

Executive Staff Bio
	Delma Olivarez Associate Dean for Student Involvement Ms. Olivarez supports and encourages opportunities for students to get involved on campus and in the community. She plays a supportive role to the Center for Student Involvement, Spirit Program, and Student Media and serves as an advisor to the Student Government Association. She has worked in higher education since 2005. Her professional experience includes campus programming, civic engagement, community service, distinguished speakers, event services, facilities management, fraternities and sororities, intercultural programs, leadership programs, mentoring for first-year students, parent and family involvement, spirit programs, student government, and student organizations.

Executive Staff Bio
	Jodie Dominguez Program Manager for Student Support & Wellbeing Jodie Dominguez is the Program Manager for Student Support & Wellbeing in the Dean of Students Office. In her role she oversees the Student Food Pantry, Wellness programing and works with Student of Concern cases. Jodie has over 15 years of experience in working in higher education. Jodie earned a Bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling with a concentration in Addiction Studies and a Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling from our legacy institution, The University of Texas- Pan American. Jodie is dedicated to helping students be successful both in and out of the classroom.