About Community Engagement and Belonging

Meet Dr. Nick Vela-Negrete (he/him/his)

Vice President, Student Affairs

Dr. Nick Vela-Negrete is the Vice President of Student Affairs at Otis College of Art and Design, where he leads efforts that advance student success, campus culture, and belonging. With over 22 years of experience in higher education, he has held leadership roles at UC Santa Barbara, Cal State LA, the University of Vermont, and Otis College, focusing on inclusive excellence and community engagement. He holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies and a master’s in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the University of Vermont, and a bachelor’s in Psychology and Chicano Studies from UC Santa Barbara. Outside of work, he enjoys exploring California’s beaches with his husband and their golden doodle, Parker.

Meet Dr. Theresa Lucas (she/her/sis)

Dean of Student Affairs

Dr. Theresa Lucas serves as the Dean of Student Affairs at Otis College of Art and Design, guiding the division’s work to support student well-being, amplify community connections, and cultivate an environment where every student can thrive. Her leadership spans student engagement, belonging initiatives, and cross-campus partnerships that strengthen both the academic and co-curricular experience. Throughout her career in higher education, she has been committed to equity-minded practices, organizational development, and designing systems that empower students from all backgrounds. Dr. Lucas earned her Doctorate of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership (OCL) and her Master of Education in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs (PASA) from the University of Southern California, along with a Bachelor of Science in Child, Adult, and Family Services from Iowa State University. When she’s not on campus, she enjoys life at home with her Husband, Corion, their two daughters, and their pups.