Meet Dr. Nick Vela-Negrete (he/him/his)
Vice President, Student Affairs
As the Vice President of Student Affairs at Otis College, Dr. Vela-Negrete leads the College’s strategic thinking and planning as it relates to student affairs, campus culture, and belonging. Dr. Negrete provides oversight to all areas of student affairs Career Services, Student Engagement and Leadership, Counseling and Psychological Services, Residence Life and Housing, Disability Services, Student Conduct, Title IX, Basic Needs, and the Student Health and Wellness Clinic. The Vice President of Student Affairs role is a senior leadership role, reporting directly to the President and Provost, providing guidance to senior leadership on essential policies, programs, and strategies to achieve inclusive excellence.
Throughout his career, Nick has led various efforts across several institutions specific to cultural pluralism and community belonging, 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 22 years, with progressive leadership roles at various institution types including UC Santa Barbara, Cal State University, Los Angeles, the University of Vermont, and Otis College of Art and Design.
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 Chicano Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara. When not working. Dr. Vela -Negrete spends time with his super cute golden doodle, Parker, his husband, and likes to explore the outdoor activities, including spending time on the beaches in California.
Meet Dr. Theresa Lucas (she/her/sis)
Director, Community Engagement and Belonging
As the Director of Community Engagement and Belonging at Otis College, Dr. Lucas works to support the College’s strategic planning as it relates to belonging and community engagement, facilitates programs and educational opportunities that build an inclusive and affirming campus environment, and leads Otis College’s Council on Community Engagement and Belonging to move the College in ways that align with our commitment to inclusive excellence. The Director of Community Engagement and Belonging role reports directly to the Vice President of Student Affairs, and provides advisory support and consultation to senior team, in partnership with the Vice President..
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 the College’s Council on Community Engagement and Belonging, and co-creating a campus environment that empowers all community members to engage deeply in building meaningful realtionships across difference.
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.