[Source: UA News] – University of Arizona students call Maria Teresa Velez a determined and tenacious advocate, a supporting pillar with an electric ability to inspire and a champion for graduate students and their development.
She has earned these accolades as the associate dean of the UA Graduate College, carrying forward a passion for diversity. Since 1996, Velez and her team have increased graduate school enrollment of underrepresented minority students by 47 percent.
The UA is now at the top of all Research I Association of American Universities member institutions in the percentage of graduate students who come from underrepresented minority backgrounds. Similarly, the UA ranks second and fifth respectively in the number of Native American and Hispanic doctorates produced in the country, according to the 2008 Survey of U.S. Doctorates.
For more information: Associate Dean Champions Student Research, Graduate School