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Advocate for Inclusive Excellence in Higher Education, Champion of Empowering Communities, and Honoring the Legacy of Family and Mentorship: Meet Mary Ann Villarreal
Mary Ann is the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Student Success at the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U)
What is your personal/professional story?
I had the privilege of an extraordinary college experience at Mount Holyoke College, which profoundly shaped and redirected the course of my life. As a high school graduate from a rural community in South Texas, I had no frame of reference for living in a diverse environment, and I was unaware that my family lived just above the poverty line when I graduated. My sister played a huge role in raising me, and her contributions ensured that I had opportunities she could only have dreamed of. Tragically, pancreatic cancer took her from me and my family too soon. At her memorial, I heard story after story about her influence on the lives of so many in her professional world.
They expressed how she made them feel like the most important person in the room, particularly in a profession that often created isolation and invisibility. I feel a responsibility to uphold her legacy of creating spaces and pathways where people are elevated and empowered to pursue their biggest dreams.
What key moment shaped your professional career?
Three key moments have shaped my professional career: earning a college degree, serving in the Air Force Reserves, and earning a Ph.D. in history. The people who guided me tapped into my instincts of curiosity and experience. They taught me about the freedom that exists in the power of storytelling to shape identity and community—a lesson I learned from my grandparents. I was raised to give time and resources, and although I experienced the apathy of a teenager, that spirit has been reignited within me as an adult. In my professional life, I learned how to be a scholar-practitioner from my undergraduate and graduate mentors and a scholar-leader from another mentor.
I recently accepted a vice presidency with the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U). This new role positions me to expand my influence on a national level, advocating for inclusive excellence across higher education institutions throughout the United States at a time when political pressures are silencing and harming those doing incredible work. I am hopeful that through new partnerships and in collaboration with everyone in the AAC&U community, we will deepen the tools and opportunities available for students and educators invested in changing lives.
How can GlobalMindEd help you reach your goals?
I am excited to align my goals with GlobalMindED's mission of fostering a global mindset and promoting intercultural understanding. By connecting with a diverse community of learners and professionals, I can further my aspirations and contribute to building a more just and equitable world.
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