Meet Dr. Nick Negrete (he/him/his)
Vice President, Student Affairs and Campus Diversity and Inclusion
As the Vice President of Student Affairs and Campus Diversity & Inclusion at Otis College, Dr. Negrete leads the College’s strategic thinking and planning as it relates to student affairs, campus culture, and DEIB. Dr. Negrete provides oversight to all areas of student affairs including DEIB, Career Services, Student Engagement and Leadership, Counseling and Psychological Services, Residence Life and Housing, and Student Health and Wellness. The Vice President of Student Affairs and Campus Diversity & Inclusion role is a senior leadership role, reporting directly to the President and advising senior leadership on essential policies, programs, and strategies to achieve inclusion and equity.
Throughout his career, Nick has led various DEIB efforts across several institutions, and helped to develop and co-chair the President’s Commission on Inclusive Excellence during his time at the University of Vermont. Nick’s career experience spans over 18 years, with progressive leadership roles at various institution types including UC Santa Barbara, Cal State Los Angeles, the University of Vermont, and Otis College of Art and Design. (Paragraph 3) Nick earned his doctorate degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Vermont, his Master of Education with a focus on higher education and student affairs administration also from the University of Vermont, and his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Chicanx Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Meet Dr. Theresa Lucas (she/her/sis)
Director, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
As the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging at Otis College, Dr. Lucas works to support the College’s strategic planning as it relates to DEIB, facilitates programs and educational opportunities that build an inclusive and affirming campus climate, and leads Otis College’s DEIB Council to move the College in ways that align with our commitment to DEIB. The Director of DEIB role reports directly to the Vice President of Student Affairs and Campus Diversity and Inclusion.
Dr. Lucas is committed to expanding and enhancing Otis College’s DEIB efforts along with key stakeholders across the campus, including the Vice President of Student Affairs and Campus Diversity & Inclusion and the College’s DEIB Council, and co-creating a sense of belonging that empowers all campus community members to engage deeply in this important work.
Dr. Lucas earned her Doctorate of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California, where she researched educational equity in public education. She also holds a Master of Education in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs (PASA) from the University of Southern California, and a Bachelor of Science in Child, Adult, and Family Services from Iowa State University. When not working, Dr. Lucas enjoys spending time with her partner, Corion, their two daughters, and their pups.