From First Gen Student to First Latina to Lead a School of Education in the University of California System: Meet Dr. Frances Contreras

In January 2022, Dean Frances Contreras made history as the first Latina to lead a school of education within the University of California system. Born and raised in Southern California, in the City of Norwalk. Dean Contreras is one of four siblings, all of whom have successfully pursued higher education at four-year universities.

As a first-generation student, Dean Contreras had the privilege of being supported by exceptional mentors who guided her throughout her undergraduate and graduate school journey. She took advantage of various programs during her undergraduate years at UC Berkeley, such as McNair, summer research experiences, and internships. These experiences allowed her to connect with faculty members, as well as community and nonprofit leaders while acquiring skills that complemented her coursework.

Dean Contreras' profound dedication to education and service stems from her passion for working with students within higher education and the upcoming generation in K-12 schools, who exhibit genuine enthusiasm for learning. She firmly believes in the transformative power that compassionate and impactful educators hold over a person's life journey. Her own inspiration comes from the remarkable students she encounters in classrooms, and her research on historically marginalized communities.

Witnessing the unwavering commitment of educators and their profound passion and joy in their role as mentors, Dean Contreras recognizes her responsibility to ensure that every child has the opportunity to attend schools where leadership and teachers share this same commitment to nurturing the next generation's growth and success.

Biography:?

Dr. Frances Contreras is the Dean and Professor for the School of Education at UC Irvine. Previously, Dr. Contreras was an Associate Vice Chancellor for Faculty, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and a Professor in the Department of Education Studies at UC San Diego. Dr. Contreras has over 15 years of administrative leadership both at UCSD and the University of Washington College of Education, where she directed their higher education program.

Her work has been published in leading education journals and presses, including the American Education Research Journal, Harvard Educational Review, Educational Policy, The International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education, Journal of Hispanics in Higher Education, Harvard University Press, and Teachers College Press. Dr. Contreras’ books include: Achieving Equity for Latino Students, Expanding the Pathway to Higher Education through Public Policy and The Latino Education Crisis with P. Gandara and High Achieving African American Students and the College Choice Process: Applications of Critical Race Theory (2020) with (T. Chapman, E. Comeaux, E. Martinez, & G. Rodriguez). This most recent book was a result of a statewide examination she led as the Principal Investigator to examine African American College Choice across UC.

As a result of her research agenda and institutional efforts to advance equity and justice, Dr. Contreras was previously honored as an “Emerging Scholar” and the “Top 25 to Watch” among academicians in the United States by Diverse Magazine. She was also selected by the Rockefeller Foundation as a Scholar in Residence at the Bellagio Center in Bellagio Italy to complete her first book with P. Gandara. Additionally, Dr. Contreras was the recipient of a lifetime achievement award by the Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs for her work to address Latino student equity. In Spring 2021, Dr. Contreras was the recipient of the Cesar Chavez Faculty Award, which recognizes faculty for their outstanding contributions to the campus community. Finally, on December 17, 2021, the City of San Diego honored her with Dr. Frances Contreras Day, in recognition of her leadership and service to the City and County of San Diego.

As a first-generation college student and Professor, Dean Contreras is the first Chicana/Latina Dean to lead a School of Education in the UC System.