Biography
Elena Sandoval-Lucero is a higher education leader with over 40 years of experience in academic and student affairs, including a decade in senior community college leadership. Her career focused on various enrollment management roles, including admissions, financial aid, federal TRiO programs, advising, and orientation. She has led Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) work, strategic planning efforts, and developed strategic enrollment management plans for multiple institutions.
Elena is involved in numerous higher education related boards and community organizations, including the NASPA Student Affairs Professionals in Higher Education, the Latinx Taskforce, the Community College Division Board, and the Advisory Services Council. With a strong focus on student success, equity, and leadership development, she is a dedicated scholar and mentor. She currently serves as a Teaching Professor at CU in the School of Education & Human Development.
In 2023, Elena established an endowment at UNC to honor her late husband and provide scholarship support to first-generation students pursuing careers in education with a focus on those actively engaged in campus programs like cultural centers, student government or DEI initiatives.