Role Model 2011

Category: Administrator

Dr. Lorena Meza, Associate Vice President for Student Academic Support Services

Lorena Meza was born in Uruapan, Michoacán Mexico, she immigrated to the United States at the age of 8 and became first in her family to attain a college degree. 

Lorena Meza currently works at Cal State San Marcos as Associate Vice President for Student Academic Support Services. She provides leadership and oversight for ACE Scholar Services, Career Center, Disabled Student Services, Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), Language Learning Center, Math Lab, Proficiency Services, Student Support Services, Undergraduate Advising Services and Writing Center. Previously, Ms Meza worked as the Assistant Dean in the School of Education at the University of San Diego and has held positions in various areas in higher education: Assistant to the Director of Enrollment Services, Assistant to the Director of the Educational Opportunity Program, Summer Bridge Coordinator and Reading Instructor, Admissions Specialist, and Counselor/Instructor.
At Cal State San Marcos Lorena has served in various committees and task forces including leading the Hispanic Serving Institution Task Force Phase 2 and WASC Theme #3, Improving First-Year Retention at Cal State San Marcos.  Her current assignment is serving on the Graduation Initiative Steering Committee.  Lorena has also served as President of LAFS during the 07-08 academic year.

Lorena has been successful in garnering federal grants over 3M in support of low income first generation college student and students with disabilities and has also garnered external funding sources in support of special programs.

Lorena holds B.A., Literature and Writing Studies, California State University San Marcos; M.A., Education/Multicultural Counseling, San Diego State University M.B.A., California State University San Marcos; and has a  Ph.D. Leadership Studies; Higher Education Administration at the University of San Diego.